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Make the Diagnosis: Parkinsonism
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Parkinson disease remains a clinical diagnosis. No accurate laboratory or radiologic test is currently available. An acute challenge with levodopa, followed by monitoring for improvement of symptoms, is not useful diagnostically.
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Parkinson disease affects 1% of people older than 65 years and 2% of those older than 85 years.2 The prevalence among older patients presenting with general neurologic complaints is almost certainly much higher, but precise figures are unavailable.
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Population for Whom Parkinson Disease Should Be Considered
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Adults with a tremor or other symptoms noted in Tables 38-4 and 38-5 (see Figure 38-2 for assessment of bradykinesia).
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Detecting the Likelihood of Parkinson Disease
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See Tables 38-4 and 38-5 (see Figure 38-2 for assessment of bradykinesia).
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Reference Standard Tests
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Serial clinical examinations performed by a specialist.
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Original Article: Does This Patient Have Parkinson Disease?
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A 68-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of right arm tremor at rest. His movements have been slower and he has difficulty getting out of a chair. Physical examination reveals rigidity in the upper limbs. He walks with small steps and has limited ability to swing his arms. His facial expressions are limited.
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Why Answer This Question With a Clinical Examination?
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With a prevalence estimated between 150 and 200 per 100 000, Parkinson disease (PD) is one of the most common neurologic disorders.1 It is more prevalent in older persons, affecting 1% of those older than ...