Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism?

Hello @mondo3019 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. Other Connect members have discussed Parkinsonism. Here is some basic information from various websites,

-Parkinsonism
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22815-parkinsonism
On Connect, there is another discussion on this topic. Here is a link for you to read.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/parkinsonism/
Here is some additional information:

Parkinson's is caused mainly by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, while the causes of parkinsonism are numerous, ranging from the side effects of medications to chronic head traumas to metabolic diseases to toxins to neurological diseases. Jun 29, 2021"
Have you had any head trauma, metabolic disease or exposure to toxins?

The link below, from the Davis Phinney Foundation, explains Parkinson's as well as Parkinsonism quite well.
--- Parkinson's vs. Parkinsonism - Davis Phinney Foundation: https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/parkinsons-vs-parkinsonism/
Types of Parkinsonisms: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-is-Parkinsons/Types-of-Parkinsonisms

Have you been referred to a movement disorder specialist yet? What type of specialist did you see who diagnosed you with this neurological disorder?

Definitely see a movement disorders specialist if you haven't yet. A skin biopsy test might be of diagnostic value. Best of luck to you.

There are several diagnostic tests that should clarify if you have Parkinson's or not. If doc hasn't done these, find a new doc. One of most basic is brain scan which assesses dopamine.

Be certain to see a neurologist and have your
blood pressure checked frequently for low BP-
dropping while standing. Check all your meds with
a pharmacist and your primary physician for interactions and side effects.

U think a new doc, they haven’t done any more tests than a mri of the complete spine, blood work and nerv test

I do have stiffness of the body but no tremors…..

What did they say about your MRI? Anything odd show up on it? Everyone above gave good advice, DaTscan, Syn-one biopsy, but I don’t think they can distinguish between PD and PD+ diseases. Also Orthostatic Hypotension can be a symptom of both. Get an appt with a Movement Spec Neuro asap, usually takes a good while to get appts with them they aren’t plentiful in the doctor world. If it turns out you have one of these Parkinson type diseases, I hope you have PD, not the PD plus diseases, a big difference in prognosis between the two. PD+ is more rare, so that’s a good thought to hang on to. Praying for you. 🙏 PS Don’t worry about the stages until you get a dx, it will drive you nuts. 😞

Other PD symptoms (or pre PD markers) include loss of sense of smell, and acting out dreams (called REM behavior disorder.) Check out Michael Fox Foundation and the PPMI study for more information.

I haven’t seen a movement specialist yet, just my neurologist.

The mri including the brain with and without contrast we’re unremarkable