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Parkinson's disease - Management
What should I do if I suspect a diagnosis of 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.
- The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) states that people with suspected mild Parkinson's disease should be seen within 6 weeks, but new referrals in later disease with more complex problems require an appointment within 2 weeks.
- If Parkinson's disease is suspected, but the person is taking a drug known to induce parkinsonism (that is: an antipsychotic; the anti-emetics metoclopramide or prochlorperazine; or, less commonly, an antidepressant, amiodarone, cinnarizine, lithium, sodium valproate, or a cholinesterase inhibitor):
- Reduce or stop the drug if appropriate.
- Do not delay referral to assess the response.
In depth
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