Neurology specialist from the National Brain Center Hospital, Dr. Rizka Ibonita Sp.N explained that there are several supporting examinations that can be done to diagnose Parkinson's disease.
In an online discussion commemorating Parkinson's Day which was attended on Thursday, Rizka said the main examination was carried out by looking at the physical condition which is usually carried out by a neurologist.
If there is a suspicion of Parkinson's, a levodopa challenge test will be performed, which is a test to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and evaluate the patient's response to the drug levodopa.
"One of the characteristics of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's disease is that it definitely responds well to levodopa. If it doesn't respond well to levodopa, it means it's not Parkinson's disease, but maybe other symptoms that resemble Parkinson's," he said.
Levodopa can be used as a reference for objective examination with a certain measurement scale so that it can be seen if there is improvement in Parkinson's symptoms, either partially or totally, with this drug.