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There is no specific test for Parkinson’s disease or for most forms of Parkinsonism. Usually the person themselves or a close friend or relative will notice symptoms developing. They should then visit their GP, who may decide to refer them to a neurologist or other specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

It is important that this is done since it takes a very trained eye to spot the subtle differences between Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism. After the diagnosis has been made the treatment can be supervised by the neurologist or specialist, the GP or a specialist nurse.

The doctor making the examination will ask some questions and will ask you to perform a number of actions with your face, arms, hands and legs. They will observe you walking, talking and getting up from a chair, and they may take a sample of your handwriting. They may test to see how strong you are by pulling and pushing, and will probably test your reflexes. This, combined with what you tell them about your symptoms, will help them to make their diagnosis.

The doctor may then go on to send you for other tests, such as a CT scan, an MRI scan or a blood test. These tests will not prove that you have Parkinson’s disease, but they will rule out a structural cause for the symptoms. They will probably only be done if the doctor is in any way uncertain about the signs and symptoms and needs more information to confirm their suspicions. The majority of people are diagnosed using the expert skill and judgement of the doctor alone. A good response to drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease will confirm the diagnosis.

A PET or SPECT scan can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. A tiny amount of radioactive dopamine is injected and this shows what dopamine activity is taking place in the brain. These scans are not yet widely available and at present they are mainly done for research. If you live near a research unit you may be invited to participate in a study.