Errors in diagnosing Parkinson’s ‘are not acceptable’

MORE THAN a quarter of people with Parkinson’s disease were initially misdiagnosed, research has found.

The poll of more than 2,000 people found 26 per cent were first told they had something else, while 21 per cent saw their GP three or more times before being referred to a specialist.

Of those who were misdiagnosed, 48 per cent were given treatment for their non-existent condition, with 36 per cent receiving medication, six per cent undergoing operations or procedures and a further six per cent given both medication and operations or procedures.

Of the people receiving unnecessary treatment, more than a third (34 per cent) said their health had got worse as a result. The poll, for Parkinson’s UK, also found that women were more likely to be misdiagnosed than men, and errors were most common in people aged 51 to 60.

Katie Goates, professional engagement programme manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Parkinson’s is an incredibly complex condition with more than 40 symptoms, and it affects everyone differently.

“One of the biggest challenges for Parkinson’s research is that there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, and as a result we’ve heard of people being misdiagnosed with anything from a frozen shoulder or anxiety to a stroke.

“Our survey has shown that because of this, people are being left in limbo and seeing their health deteriorate, which is unacceptable.

“We are investing in vital research to find a much-needed diagnostic test, but we also recognise the key role that health professionals have in helping people with Parkinson’s get the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.”

Around 145,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year. Signs can include handwriting getting smaller; tremor, especially in fingers, hands or feet; and limb stiffness.