Observational Study Assessing the Diagnostic Contribution of 3-Tesla MRI, CSF Analysis and a Second Opinion in a Specialized Movement Disorder Centre, in Differentiating Between Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism

Background:

Parkinson's Disease and the Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder (like Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticobasal Degeneration, Lewy Body Dementia) are disease entities with partly common symptomatology. Especially very early in the course of disease, the differentiation between both disease entities can be challenging, even for specialists in the field of movement disorder. However, the establishment of a correct diagnosis is very important for adequate patientcounseling, treatment and the correct inclusion of patients in research trials. Ancillary diagnostic investigations are looked upon to aid in this diagnostic dilemma.

Objective:

To investigate the value of ancillary diagnostic investigations, more specific MRI, analysis of cerebrospinal fluids and a second opinion in a specialized movement disorder centre, to differentiate Parkinson's disease and the Atypical Parkisonisonian disorder.