Dr.Gurneet Singh Sawhney on how to distinguish between Primary Dystonia and Parkinson’s disease

Primary Dystonia and Parkinson's disease are neurological movement disorders and are often misdiagnosed by doctors leading to subsequent wrong treatment and non-effective results. Leading Neurosurgeon Dr.Gurneet Singh Sawhney proceeds to explain both these disorders and how to recognize them correctly. However, it is recommended to approach a senior and well-experienced neurosurgeon for in-depth diagnosis and evaluation.

DrGurneet Singh Sawhney states, 'I have encountered numerous cases where patients were initially misdiagnosed with Parkinson's disease when they were actually suffering from primary dystonia. The misdiagnosis and the treatment thereafter have led to significant consequences. Therefore, I earnestly appeal to people to seek consultations with an expert neurosurgeon who can correctly recognize the movement disorders and recommend a suitable treatment for the best possible results.'

He proceeds to explain the general distinguishing factors between these two conditions. The age of the patient is one of the most important factors as primary dystonia typically occurs in children or adolescents, while Parkinson's disease develops in older adults aged 60 and above.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans reveal certain patterns of brain abnormalities associated with each of these conditions, making it possible to identify them distinctly.

Tremors are synonymous with both these conditions, however; they are more prominent in Parkinson's disease than in primary dystonia patients. Also, he adds that in primary dystonia, twisting or sustained muscle contractions are more prominent than tremors.

Patients with Parkinson's disease experience movement disorders on both sides of the body, including the face, trunk and limbs which is not the case in patients with primary dystonia. These patients can also display other symptoms, such as postural instability, rigidity, and slowness of movement (bradykinesia) which is absent or not very visible in primary dystonia.

Levodopa and other dopaminergic medications are quite effective in treating Parkinson's disease, and the motor functions of the patients greatly improve. However, all primary dystonia patients do not respond well to dopaminergic medications, and at times their condition further deteriorates after consuming these medicines.

Certain forms of primary dystonia can be inherited; hence family history of the patient can offer important diagnostic clues. As against this, Parkinson's disease occurs on account of a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

DrGurneet Singh Sawhney urges doctors and other healthcare providers to stay alert and identify the symptoms and movement correctly. Apart from this, they need to evaluate the diagnostic and genetic reports in-depth and proceed with a customized treatment strategy.

About DrGurneet Singh Sawhney

DrGurneet Singh Sawhney is considered one of the leading neurosurgeons in India and abroad, with immense experience in the various subspecialties of modern neurosurgery, including functional neurosurgery to neuro-oncology, deep brain stimulation to minimally invasive techniques, and more. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in India with comprehensive expertise in Microneurosurgery, Neuroendoscopy, and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

He is a warm and friendly doctor with multilingual fluency, which enables him to connect and communicate with people from diverse walks of life quite well. Patients feel at ease and trust Dr.Gurneet Singh Sawhney and his expertise for the best possible recovery outcomes.

He is available for consultation at Neurolife Brain and Spine Clinic, Fortis Hospital and Savla Diagnostic Centre in Mumbai.

Neurolife Brain & Spine Clinic
C-118, 1st floor, Hall Mark Commercial Complex,
Vasant Oscar, LBS Marg,
Mulund, West, Mumbai - 400082.

Fortis Hospital
Goregaon link Rd, Industrial area,
Mulund West,
Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400078.

Savla Diagnostic Center And Polyclinic
201, Pearl building, 2nd floor,
Above Hotel Malhar, D K Sandhu marg,
Chembur East, Mumbai -71.