
Diagnostic Options
Patient history and clinical examination
In most cases, a hypothetical diagnosis can be made following an extensive patient history and neurological examination combined with targeted technical examinations. This diagnosis is then discussed with the patient and, if desired, also with his/her relatives and used as a basis for treatment. At follow-up appointments, changes in medication and clinical observation (which is very important to secure diagnosis) can be made.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In the course of basic diagnostics, an MRI of the skull (cranial MRI) will be performed in order to exclude certain vascular and inflammatory diseases that have symptoms resembling those of Parkinson’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, cranial MRI results are usually within the normal range since cellular changes can not be seen. However, in some atypical parkinsonism patients, the MRI will show specific alterations.
Description of the following diagnostic options are currently only available in German:
Nuclear medicine examinations
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Laboratory tests
Neurophysiological examinations including tremor analysis
Vascular and cardiovascular examinations
Polysomnography (Sleep lab)
Neuropsychological testing