Many chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease are often challenging to diagnose. These types of conditions may occur in the absence of laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis. In addition, several medical conditions can share similar symptoms, making it hard to differentiate which one a patient has. Understanding which diseases have the same symptoms of Parkinson's can be helpful when working with a physician who is trying to diagnose the underlying cause of any symptoms present.
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a condition that occurs due to abnormal communication between the brain and the body. Like Parkinson's disease, it can cause tremors or shaking movements in the hands, head, legs and other areas of the body, states the International Essential Tremor Foundation. Why this condition occurs is still not well understood; however, it appears to be due to an inherited genetic mutation.
Both Parkinson's disease and essential tremor are progressive conditions that are more common in middle-age and elderly patents. It may take time and a series of appointments for a physician to accurately diagnose which condition is causing the tremors.
Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis, like Parkinson's disease, occur because signals sent by the brain to the body are interrupted. In the case of Parkinson's disease, the neurotransmitter called dopamine is not present to carry the signals. In the case of MS, there is damage to the myelin, or the fatty sheath, that protects the nerves. This damage inhibits nerve impulses from traveling through the body correctly, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Due to the disruption in nerve signals, both these conditions can cause a loss of ability to control movement and maintain balance. However, MS and Parkinson's disease both have unique symptoms that over time can help a physician distinguish between the two conditions.
Transient Ischemic Attacks and Strokes
Transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, are mini strokes that can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. TIAs and strokes occur when the brain is deprived of the blood and oxygen it needs to function properly. With a TIA, the blockage is only temporary and does not cause brain damage or any lasting symptoms. This differs from a stroke, where the blockage causes brain cells to die, which can lead to disability.
During a TIA or stroke, several symptoms mimic Parkinson's disease. The Cambridge University Press recommends being on the lookout for confusion, difficulty initiating movement, loss of balance and trouble with speech. If a TIA or stroke is minor, the symptoms may not be automatically recognizable, which means treatment is delayed.
If a patient suffers several TIAs or strokes, it may be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease. However, a medical professional can run tests to tell the difference.
Drug or Toxin Induced Conditions
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, certain toxins and medications can cause side effects that mimic the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This includes chlorpromazine and haloperidol, which are used to treat psychiatric conditions; metoclopramide, which treats gastrointestional problems; reserpine, which is taken for high blood pressure; and valproate, which is used to manage epilepsy. The symptoms are resolved when the medication dosage is lowered or if the drug is replaced with a different medication.
In addition, exposure to certain chemicals, such as manganese dust, carbon disulfide and carbon monoxide MPTP, can also cause symptoms that look like Parkinson's disease. Sometimes the symptoms resolve when exposure is removed, but in other cases, the symptoms may become permanent.
Corticobasal Degeneration
Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive condition that causes nerve cells in the brain to die. It can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, warns the Mayo Clinic. This includes slow and uncoordinated movement, confusion, tremors, loss of balance, trouble speaking and loss of memory.
The cause of this condition is still unknown. As the disease progresses, scans can often detect changes in the brain that help to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
References
- International Essential Tremor Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Multiple Sclerosis
- Cambridge University Press: Transient Ischemic Attacks and Stroke
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Research
- Mayo Clinic: Corticobasal Degeneration
