Shared from myparkinsonsteam.com.
Parkinsonism is a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, characterized by motor issues — bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremors, loss of balance, and stiffness. There are many types of parkinsonism, which are classified by their cause and how they progress. Knowing which type of parkinsonism someone has helps neurologists prescribe effective treatments and better predict how the disease will progress.
There is no conclusive test to identify what type of parkinsonism someone has. For some people, years may elapse between experiencing the first symptoms and receiving a definitive diagnosis of a specific type. Since all parkinsonisms share similar motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be very difficult. A correct diagnosis is more likely when performed by an experienced neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. Some people have multiple chronic conditions, making it challenging for doctors to identify whether parkinsonian symptoms are caused by a disease or a medication. In some cases, it’s possible to have more than one type of parkinsonism.