What are the general symptoms that specialists look for to rule out Biden having Parkinson’s disease?
A White House doctor has released a letter stating that President Biden was examined by a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders.
White House doctor Kevin O’Connor has released a letter stating that a top neurology specialist examined President Joe Biden as part of his annual physical exam.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, who works at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, is an expert on Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
O’Connor clarified that Cannard conducted the president’s physicals not because of his expertise in movement disorders, “but because he is a highly trained and highly regarded neurologist here at Walter Reed and across the Military Health System.”
The White House doctor added that there were no indications of Parkinson’s disease during Biden’s three physical examinations, according to news website Axios.
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What are the general symptoms that specialists look for to rule out Biden having Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Diagnosing the disease can be challenging especially in the early stages, as its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions.
Specialists, typically neurologists, look for a range of motor and non-motor symptoms to rule out Parkinson’s disease and confirm a diagnosis. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is no lab or imaging test recommended for Parkinson’s disease. This is why doctors must carefully observe symptoms and consider other factors to diagnose the condition.
Here are the general symptoms neurologists usually consider when they are looking to diagnose or to rule out the illness:
Tremor: Often starts in a limb, typically the hand or fingers. A resting tremor, or trembling of a hand or foot at rest, is a distinctive feature of Parkinson’s disease. The tremor usually stops with voluntary movement and sleep.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement. Difficulties with repetitive movements or initiating movement. Reduced facial expressions, monotonous speech, and decreased blinking.
Muscle rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs and trunk, which can cause muscle pain and limit the range of motion. Often noticeable when another person moves the limb.
Posture instability: Problems with balance and coordination. Tendency to fall easily, particularly in later stages of the disease. Difficulty maintaining an upright posture.