There is no medical test or scan that can diagnose Parkinson's disease, although tests and scans can be used to make sure that your condition is not PD. Your diagnosis is based on how closely your symptoms match the standard signs and symptoms of PD.

Typically, a healthcare provider will observe you carefully and take a detailed health history. At this stage, your family members can be very helpful with personal observations.

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

A formal diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is made when you have two or more of the four 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.