skip to main content

Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyNeurologyParkinson's Disease DiagnosisRACP Adult Medicine

A 62-year-old man develops a resting tremor in his left hand. He has bradykinesia and rigidity on the left side with a shuffling gait. Cognition is intact. DaT-SPECT scan shows reduced dopaminergic uptake in the right putamen. What is the diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Drug-induced parkinsonism

Asymmetric resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity with contralateral reduced DaT-SPECT uptake confirms idiopathic Parkinson's disease. DaT-SPECT differentiates PD from essential tremor (normal scan) and drug-induced parkinsonism (usually normal scan). Vascular parkinsonism typically affects the lower body and PSP presents with early postural instability and vertical gaze palsy. Levodopa response trial further supports the diagnosis.

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Neurology; MDS – 2015 – PD Diagnostic Criteria