title: Differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
abstract: The differential diagnosis of PD includes other neurodegenerative disorders; hereditary disorders; and symptomatic causes, such as structural lesions, infections, metabolic abnormalities, hydrocephalus, and drugs or toxins. A good history of symptom evaluation, drug use, and family illness is just as essential as a careful neurologic examination when evaluating a patient with parkinsonism. Although there is no definitive diagnostic test for PD at this time, tests to rule out other causes should be considered and then treatment started.
authors: Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
authors: C H
authors: CH
authors: Adler
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000175:diagnosis