How Is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?

Have you or a loved one noticed a persistent tremor, muscle stiffness, or slowed movement? Maybe it's just aging, or maybe it's something more. If you’ve ever asked, “How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?” — you’re not alone. Many people experiencing early symptoms are unsure of what steps to take next. Understanding the process can help you feel more in control and prepared to take action.
Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Complexity
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. But diagnosing it isn’t always straightforward. There is no single blood test, brain scan, or biomarker that can definitively confirm PD. Instead, diagnosis relies on a combination of medical history, symptom evaluation, and physical and neurological exams.

Doctors—typically neurologists—look for specific motor symptoms, such as:

• Resting tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Postural instability

Because symptoms develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions, early diagnosis can be challenging. Doctors often observe a person’s condition over time before making a formal diagnosis.

A Parkinson's diagnosis relies on a combination of medical history, symptom evaluation, and physical and neurological exams.

​Ruling Out Other Causes
Before confirming Parkinson’s, your doctor will want to rule out other possibilities such as essential tremor, side effects from medications, or other types of parkinsonism caused by different neurological conditions. Brain imaging like an MRI or a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan may be used—not to diagnose Parkinson’s directly—but to rule out other conditions and support clinical observations.

Ruling out other causes

​When to Seek a Specialist
If you or a loved one shows signs of PD, it’s best to consult a movement disorder specialist—a neurologist with advanced training in Parkinson’s and related disorders. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and create a personalized care plan that addresses both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as sleep issues, anxiety, or speech changes.

Support is available

Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson’s and related conditions, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For more than 25 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech and cognitive therapy
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

​There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson’s or have been recently diagnosed, you don’t have to face it alone.
👉 Click here to sign up for the PASWFL newsletter
👉 Click here to become a member (it's free!)
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.