Re: Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing this. The article said it all. That is

what happened with Bob, he was being treated for Parkinson for several

months. After a visit to Mayo in Jax Fl. and had a complete exam with

a neurological exam the diagnosis was LBD. Don't understand why more

neurologist do not check more carefully. It is a serious matter. ine

> " More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies. " <<see below>>

>

> Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

>

> 11/14/08

>

> By Rizzo

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The cause of a parkinsonian syndrome is

> not always clear when the symptoms first appear, and the diagnosis

> often changes over time, according to a paper in the Journal of

> Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Use of rigid criteria does

> not necessarily help make the diagnosis.

>

> Parkinsonian syndrome refers to conditions that have the symptoms of

> Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness, and

> shuffling gait. The term is simply used to describe a patient's

> symptoms; Parkinson's disease may or may not be the actual cause. For

> instance multiple small strokes can cause a parkinsonian syndrome.

>

> " Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is important both in

> clinical practice, where it will influence management, and in

> research, where the validity of findings may be compromised if

> studies include (different) conditions, " Dr. Carl Counsell, of the

> University of Aberdeen, UK, and colleagues write.

>

> The report describes 66 patients who were followed for at least one

> year after an initial diagnosis of " possible or definite parkinsonian

> syndrome. "

>

> After follow-up of around 29 months, the clinical diagnosis had

> changed in 22 patients (33 percent). Most of the changes (82 percent)

> occurred in the first year. Reason for the modified diagnoses

> included development of additional clinical features, early thinking

> impairment, x-ray results, poor response to drug therapy, and lack of

> disease progression.

>

> More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies.

>

> As part of their study, the researchers applied research criteria

> using records from patients' initial evaluation and latest yearly

> follow-up. In 8 patients (12 percent), the latest clinical diagnosis

> differed from the research-based diagnosis.

>

> " The major implication is that doctors making the diagnosis of a

> parkinsonian syndrome need to be aware of the potential inaccuracy of

> the initial diagnosis and be prepared to review patients regularly

> (probably at least yearly) and change it as appropriate, " Counsell

> said in an interview with Reuters Health. " A change in diagnosis may

> also require a change in treatment, either stopping unnecessary

> treatment or starting new treatment. "

>

> http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=diagnosis-of-parkinsonian

>

> SOURCE: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November

> 2008.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing this. The article said it all. That is

what happened with Bob, he was being treated for Parkinson for several

months. After a visit to Mayo in Jax Fl. and had a complete exam with

a neurological exam the diagnosis was LBD. Don't understand why more

neurologist do not check more carefully. It is a serious matter. ine

> " More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies. " <<see below>>

>

> Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

>

> 11/14/08

>

> By Rizzo

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The cause of a parkinsonian syndrome is

> not always clear when the symptoms first appear, and the diagnosis

> often changes over time, according to a paper in the Journal of

> Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Use of rigid criteria does

> not necessarily help make the diagnosis.

>

> Parkinsonian syndrome refers to conditions that have the symptoms of

> Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness, and

> shuffling gait. The term is simply used to describe a patient's

> symptoms; Parkinson's disease may or may not be the actual cause. For

> instance multiple small strokes can cause a parkinsonian syndrome.

>

> " Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is important both in

> clinical practice, where it will influence management, and in

> research, where the validity of findings may be compromised if

> studies include (different) conditions, " Dr. Carl Counsell, of the

> University of Aberdeen, UK, and colleagues write.

>

> The report describes 66 patients who were followed for at least one

> year after an initial diagnosis of " possible or definite parkinsonian

> syndrome. "

>

> After follow-up of around 29 months, the clinical diagnosis had

> changed in 22 patients (33 percent). Most of the changes (82 percent)

> occurred in the first year. Reason for the modified diagnoses

> included development of additional clinical features, early thinking

> impairment, x-ray results, poor response to drug therapy, and lack of

> disease progression.

>

> More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies.

>

> As part of their study, the researchers applied research criteria

> using records from patients' initial evaluation and latest yearly

> follow-up. In 8 patients (12 percent), the latest clinical diagnosis

> differed from the research-based diagnosis.

>

> " The major implication is that doctors making the diagnosis of a

> parkinsonian syndrome need to be aware of the potential inaccuracy of

> the initial diagnosis and be prepared to review patients regularly

> (probably at least yearly) and change it as appropriate, " Counsell

> said in an interview with Reuters Health. " A change in diagnosis may

> also require a change in treatment, either stopping unnecessary

> treatment or starting new treatment. "

>

> http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=diagnosis-of-parkinsonian

>

> SOURCE: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November

> 2008.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

ine,

I see it as great progress to get this diagnosis. Back when I got Mom, I had to

figure it out myself. It has only been in the last 5 years that Neurology has

finally started to have this diagnosis at all.

Hugs,

Donna R

Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in

a nh.

She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine.

Re: Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

Thank you for sharing this. The article said it all. That is

what happened with Bob, he was being treated for Parkinson for several

months. After a visit to Mayo in Jax Fl. and had a complete exam with

a neurological exam the diagnosis was LBD. Don't understand why more

neurologist do not check more carefully. It is a serious matter. ine

> " More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies. " <<see below>>

>

> Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

>

> 11/14/08

>

> By Rizzo

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The cause of a parkinsonian syndrome is

> not always clear when the symptoms first appear, and the diagnosis

> often changes over time, according to a paper in the Journal of

> Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Use of rigid criteria does

> not necessarily help make the diagnosis.

>

> Parkinsonian syndrome refers to conditions that have the symptoms of

> Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness, and

> shuffling gait. The term is simply used to describe a patient's

> symptoms; Parkinson's disease may or may not be the actual cause. For

> instance multiple small strokes can cause a parkinsonian syndrome.

>

> " Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is important both in

> clinical practice, where it will influence management, and in

> research, where the validity of findings may be compromised if

> studies include (different) conditions, " Dr. Carl Counsell, of the

> University of Aberdeen, UK, and colleagues write.

>

> The report describes 66 patients who were followed for at least one

> year after an initial diagnosis of " possible or definite parkinsonian

> syndrome. "

>

> After follow-up of around 29 months, the clinical diagnosis had

> changed in 22 patients (33 percent). Most of the changes (82 percent)

> occurred in the first year. Reason for the modified diagnoses

> included development of additional clinical features, early thinking

> impairment, x-ray results, poor response to drug therapy, and lack of

> disease progression.

>

> More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies.

>

> As part of their study, the researchers applied research criteria

> using records from patients' initial evaluation and latest yearly

> follow-up. In 8 patients (12 percent), the latest clinical diagnosis

> differed from the research-based diagnosis.

>

> " The major implication is that doctors making the diagnosis of a

> parkinsonian syndrome need to be aware of the potential inaccuracy of

> the initial diagnosis and be prepared to review patients regularly

> (probably at least yearly) and change it as appropriate, " Counsell

> said in an interview with Reuters Health. " A change in diagnosis may

> also require a change in treatment, either stopping unnecessary

> treatment or starting new treatment. "

>

> http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=diagnosis-of-parkinsonian

>

> SOURCE: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November

> 2008.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

ine,

I see it as great progress to get this diagnosis. Back when I got Mom, I had to

figure it out myself. It has only been in the last 5 years that Neurology has

finally started to have this diagnosis at all.

Hugs,

Donna R

Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in

a nh.

She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine.

Re: Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

Thank you for sharing this. The article said it all. That is

what happened with Bob, he was being treated for Parkinson for several

months. After a visit to Mayo in Jax Fl. and had a complete exam with

a neurological exam the diagnosis was LBD. Don't understand why more

neurologist do not check more carefully. It is a serious matter. ine

> " More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies. " <<see below>>

>

> Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

>

> 11/14/08

>

> By Rizzo

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The cause of a parkinsonian syndrome is

> not always clear when the symptoms first appear, and the diagnosis

> often changes over time, according to a paper in the Journal of

> Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Use of rigid criteria does

> not necessarily help make the diagnosis.

>

> Parkinsonian syndrome refers to conditions that have the symptoms of

> Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness, and

> shuffling gait. The term is simply used to describe a patient's

> symptoms; Parkinson's disease may or may not be the actual cause. For

> instance multiple small strokes can cause a parkinsonian syndrome.

>

> " Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is important both in

> clinical practice, where it will influence management, and in

> research, where the validity of findings may be compromised if

> studies include (different) conditions, " Dr. Carl Counsell, of the

> University of Aberdeen, UK, and colleagues write.

>

> The report describes 66 patients who were followed for at least one

> year after an initial diagnosis of " possible or definite parkinsonian

> syndrome. "

>

> After follow-up of around 29 months, the clinical diagnosis had

> changed in 22 patients (33 percent). Most of the changes (82 percent)

> occurred in the first year. Reason for the modified diagnoses

> included development of additional clinical features, early thinking

> impairment, x-ray results, poor response to drug therapy, and lack of

> disease progression.

>

> More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies.

>

> As part of their study, the researchers applied research criteria

> using records from patients' initial evaluation and latest yearly

> follow-up. In 8 patients (12 percent), the latest clinical diagnosis

> differed from the research-based diagnosis.

>

> " The major implication is that doctors making the diagnosis of a

> parkinsonian syndrome need to be aware of the potential inaccuracy of

> the initial diagnosis and be prepared to review patients regularly

> (probably at least yearly) and change it as appropriate, " Counsell

> said in an interview with Reuters Health. " A change in diagnosis may

> also require a change in treatment, either stopping unnecessary

> treatment or starting new treatment. "

>

> http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=diagnosis-of-parkinsonian

>

> SOURCE: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, November

> 2008.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

This is SUCH IMPORTANT information to get out to neurologists,

geriatricians and Parkinson's support groups. Thank you for sending

this.

>

> " More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies. " <<see below>>

>

> Diagnosis of parkinsonian syndrome often changes

>

> 11/14/08

>

> By Rizzo

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The cause of a parkinsonian syndrome is

> not always clear when the symptoms first appear, and the diagnosis

> often changes over time, according to a paper in the Journal of

> Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Use of rigid criteria does

> not necessarily help make the diagnosis.

>

> Parkinsonian syndrome refers to conditions that have the symptoms

of

> Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness,

and

> shuffling gait. The term is simply used to describe a patient's

> symptoms; Parkinson's disease may or may not be the actual cause.

For

> instance multiple small strokes can cause a parkinsonian syndrome.

>

> " Accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is important both in

> clinical practice, where it will influence management, and in

> research, where the validity of findings may be compromised if

> studies include (different) conditions, " Dr. Carl Counsell, of the

> University of Aberdeen, UK, and colleagues write.

>

> The report describes 66 patients who were followed for at least one

> year after an initial diagnosis of " possible or definite

parkinsonian

> syndrome. "

>

> After follow-up of around 29 months, the clinical diagnosis had

> changed in 22 patients (33 percent). Most of the changes (82

percent)

> occurred in the first year. Reason for the modified diagnoses

> included development of additional clinical features, early

thinking

> impairment, x-ray results, poor response to drug therapy, and lack

of

> disease progression.

>

> More than a third of those who were misdiagnosed with Parkinson's

> disease were eventually determined to have a related problem called

> dementia with Lewy bodies.

>

> As part of their study, the researchers applied research criteria

> using records from patients' initial evaluation and latest yearly

> follow-up. In 8 patients (12 percent), the latest clinical

diagnosis

> differed from the research-based diagnosis.

>

> " The major implication is that doctors making the diagnosis of a

> parkinsonian syndrome need to be aware of the potential inaccuracy

of

> the initial diagnosis and be prepared to review patients regularly

> (probably at least yearly) and change it as appropriate, " Counsell

> said in an interview with Reuters Health. " A change in diagnosis

may

> also require a change in treatment, either stopping unnecessary

> treatment or starting new treatment. "

>

> http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=diagnosis-of-parkinsonian

>

> SOURCE: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry,

November

> 2008.

>