Misdiagnosis of Parkinson's Disease Reduces Your Chances of Recovery

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (or PD) is a progressive and chronic movement disorder that affects hundreds of people across the United States every year. The cause of PD remains unknown, and unfortunately a cure is yet to be found for this condition. However, medications and surgical options are now available to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's, and stabilize the patient's mobility and health.

Parkinson's is a direct consequence of the malfunction and eventual death of essential nerve cells in the brain (neurons). The dying neurons secrete dopamine, which is a chemical that sends messages to that part of the brain controlling coordination and movement. With the gradual progress of PD, the dopamine levels drop, shutting down movement, and coordination abilities for the patient.

Symptoms of PD

The typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:

• Rigidity of muscles

Muscles stiffen, limiting movement, and range of motion.

• Tremors

Fingers, hands, limbs, and gradually other parts of the body begin to shake involuntarily.

• Impaired balance and posture

Developing a stooped posture, or have difficulty with balancing.

• Slowed movement
  • Reduced ability to move
  • Inability to complete simple day-to-day tasks
  • Tendency to drag the feet while trying to walk; a condition known as Bradykinesia.
• Speech changes
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Development of a monotone and hesitation to speak due to problems with normal speaking ability
• Loss of auto movement

Loss of ability to perform various involuntary movements such as blinking, swinging the arms while walking and smiling

• Issues with writing
  • Difficulty holding pen
  • Writing with normal speed or maintaining the size of letters

Risk Factors

The two most critical risk factors attributing to Parkinson's are:

• Genetic factors - History of Parkinson's disease in the family
• Environmental factors - Toxic exposures to certain chemicals

Misdiagnosis of PD

Parkinson's disease must be identified and diagnosed accurately at an early stage, to improve the chances of its management. Diagnosing PD can be challenging as there are no specific tests that can identify the condition exclusively.

Also, the symptoms of PD may often coincide with those of other conditions and disorders. Your neurologist must take note of your complete medical history and your family's history of PD, and conduct thorough physical examinations that can rule out other similar movement disorders in order to zero down on Parkinson's.

Your current course of medication, allergies, and history of head or spinal trauma must also be recorded. Neurological tests may need to be conducted to examine your ability to balance, walk, move, coordinate, and complete other motor tasks that involve your limbs.

Misdiagnosing PD while performing any of these examinations can constitute medical malpractice. It not only exposes the patient to unwanted medication and treatment that is not meant for his condition, but also allows PD to progress further, where managing its advancement becomes less practicable.

Legal Support

If your Parkinson's disease went undiagnosed due to medical negligence, seek the right legal support and this is where Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW) come into the picture. Call 212-344-1000 to schedule a free consultation today.

We have offices all over the NYC area and we know how to win cases. We have medical experts that know how to determine if your case was botched. If you have a viable case, we will help you win this case. We will spend thousands of dollars on your behalf if your case is valid.