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Parkinson’s Disease Misdiagnosis

Parkinson's Disease | Last Active: Oct 24 9:05pm | Replies (17)

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@hopeful33250

Hello @paulbkk1979 and welcome to the Parkinson’s (PD) support group on Mayo Connect. I’m glad that you posted your concerns. Believe it or not, your concerns are not all that unusual. Neurological symptoms are hard to diagnose as there are many neurological disorders that carry similar symptoms. Also, not all people with PD have the same symptoms. I was diagnosed with PD about 16 years ago, after having symptoms of balance, gait problems, foot dragging, and falling for over 10 years prior to the diagnosis. I’ve also never had any tremors.

Based on the symptoms that I mentioned in the paragraph above, I had numerous neurological tests (MRI, EMG) to rule out other disorders. Have you also had these tests?

Because there seemed to be no other reason for my symptoms, my neurologist gave me a script for Sinemet. I was to titrate the dose over several weeks. The first week I took one-half tablet every day. The second week two half-tablets every day. During this time, I realized that my symptoms were lessened, and I was walking better, and my balance was much improved.

Have you taken any PD meds like Sinemet? If so, were they at all helpful in reducing your symptoms. As you mentioned dizziness, I’m wondering if you have had any vestibular therapy. This type of physical therapy can be very helpful in dealing with balance and/or dizziness problems.

I doubt very much that your neurologist was lying to you. However, please know that it is always your right to seek a second opinion. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

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Replies to "Hello @paulbkk1979 and welcome to the Parkinson’s (PD) support group on Mayo Connect. I’m glad that..."

Hi Teresa thank you for your reply and yes I have taken medication for the disease, carbidopa levodopa and it did not alleviate my symptoms of occasional dizziness, blurred vision, or frequent urination. My neurologist did say that it might be an illness that is similar to Parkinson’s disease, but he has not done any tests to determine whether it is related to the disease. I have had brain MRI’s done twice and I have no abnormalities showing on the scans of the brain. I am seeing my neurologist again in June, do you have any recommendations for any questions that I should ask him?
I read that constipation is one of the most ubiquitous symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is that accurate or not? I have absolutely no problem with constipation thankfully. I hope you are doing well Teresa and having a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.
Paul