There is no medical test or scan that can diagnose PD, although tests and scans can be used to see if your symptoms may be due to something other than PD. Your diagnosis is based on how closely your symptoms match the standard signs and symptoms of PD.

Typically, a health care professional (HCP) will observe you carefully and take a detailed medical history. At this stage, your family members can be very helpful by providing personal observations.

Your HCP will look for common symptoms of PD, including tremor, stiffness, poor balance, difficulty walking, and slowness of movement. When several symptoms occur, your HCP may see a pattern that adds up to a diagnosis of PD.

A formal diagnosis of PD is typically made when you have 2 or more of the 4 main motor symptoms of PD, and is usually made by a neurologist after a referral from your primary care physician. Sometimes a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders is consulted.