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Parkinson's disease - Management
Overview of management
Suspected Parkinson's disease
- Refer people with suspected Parkinson's disease quickly, and untreated, to a specialist (with expertise in the differential diagnosis of this condition) for diagnosis.
Confirmed Parkinson's disease: primary care management
- Only start or alter anti-parkinsonian medication on the advice of the person's Parkinson's disease physician or nurse specialist.
- Do not suddenly stop any anti-parkinsonian medication as this can precipitate acute akinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- Manage comorbidities: avoid, or use with caution, any drugs that could exacerbate parkinsonism or interact with anti-parkinsonian medication.
- Identify worsening motor symptoms and motor complications and manage these appropriately, usually by referring to the person's Parkinson's disease specialist team.
- Identify and appropriately manage non-motor symptoms and complications.
- Identify any adverse effects from anti-parkinsonian medication, and manage these appropriately, often by liaising with the person's Parkinson's disease specialist team.
- Ensure access to local services for people with Parkinson's disease, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
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