Parkinson's Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brainstem. This leads to motor impairments, including tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with movement.

Diagnosis

There are no specific tests to confirm Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and exclusion of other conditions.
Key diagnostic methods include:

• Neurological examination by a specialist

• MRI or PET-CT of the brain to rule out other causes

A differential diagnosis is essential to distinguish Parkinson’s disease from parkinsonism and secondary parkinsonism:

• Parkinsonism includes conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

• Secondary parkinsonism may result from medications, vascular disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumors, or toxin exposure.

Treatment

Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Options include:

• Medication therapy to increase dopamine levels and control symptoms

• Physical therapy to enhance mobility and muscle function

• Surgical treatment – Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for patients with severe symptoms not responding to medication

Cost of Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment:

• 50,000,000 – 65,000,000 KRW