New test to assist in diagnosing Parkinson's disease
The ultrasound of the basal ganglia is a non-invasive, accessible, and easily applicable technique, with proven efficacy in diagnosing various movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD) and other parkinsonisms.
It is a very useful diagnostic tool for patients with movement disorders where there is diagnostic uncertainty (examples: PD versus progressive supranuclear palsy or multisystem atrophy; neurodegenerative parkinsonism vs essential tremor or medication-induced parkinsonism, among others). The ultrasound of the basal ganglia has the potential to address the same questions as other tests used to aid in diagnosing movement disorders (such as DATSCAN), with the added advantage of providing more information in a non-invasive manner and without contrast administration.
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that relies on the emission of ultrasound waves. The procedure is painless, does not require sedation, and involves no radiation exposure, making it a safe and easy examination to perform. The ultrasound of the basal ganglia is conducted with the patient lying on their back. The probe is placed on a specific area of the head, capturing visible images and calculating specific indices for later interpretation. The procedure lasts a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes.
Dr. Linda Azevedo Kauppila, a neurologist and specialist in movement disorders at CNS | Campus Neurológico, is currently responsible for performing the exam, available at the CNS Lisbon unit. She received her training in basal ganglia ultrasound under the supervision of Professor João Sargento de Freitas from the Neurology Department at ULS Coimbra.
Recently, Dr. Linda Azevedo Kauppila also served as a trainer in the ‘Basal Ganglia Ultrasound Course’, held as part of the Portuguese Society for Movement Disorders congress in March 2024. ‘Basal ganglia ultrasound will constitute a paradigm shift in the investigation of patients with movement disorders. It will allow for a simpler and more innovative, accessible approach to diagnosing Parkinson's disease, as well as facilitate the diagnostic clarification of various other movement disorders. Achieving as accurate a diagnosis as possible is essential and can have direct implications for disease management and the patient's therapeutic plan; being able to do this using a non-invasive technique without added discomfort for the patients represents a significant advantage. It is immensely satisfying to continue expanding the range of care for patients with neurological disorders, with the recent availability of this diagnostic method.’ – states Dr. Linda Azevedo Kauppila. CNS Lisbon is the first institution in Lisbon – and one of the few in Portugal – to offer this technique, continuing to stand out for the modernization and diversification of care.
For more information or to schedule an exam, visit the CNS website:
📍Website: https://www.cnscampus.com/especialidades/ecografia-dos-ganglios-da-base/
Or the Medical Clinic of the Lisbon Unit at CNS – Campus Neurológico:
📍CNS Lisbon | unidadelisboa@cnscampus.com