Corticobasal Degeneration

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and other specialties work together to evaluate your condition.

To diagnose corticobasal degeneration, your doctor will review your symptoms to exclude other conditions that may be causing your signs and symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a neurological examination and check for signs of other conditions. Corticobasal degeneration may be difficult to diagnose because it has similar symptoms to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and other conditions. Your doctor also may order several tests to diagnose your condition and rule out other conditions.

• Mental status and neuropsychological tests. Your doctor may ask you questions and conduct tests to measure your thinking skills (cognitive skills). Your doctor may ask your family members questions about your emotional state and daily routines. You also may have a psychiatric assessment to test for behavior changes, depression or other mental illness.
• Speech and language assessments. Doctors may assess your ability to speak and understand speech, and read and write, to determine which communication abilities may be affected.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses powerful radio waves and magnets to create a three-dimensional view of your brain. Your doctor may use this test to detect abnormalities or changes in your brain.
• Computerized tomography (CT scan). A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed, three-dimensional view of your brain. Your doctor may use this test to detect abnormalities or changes in your brain.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan or single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). In these tests, a doctor injects you with a small amount of radioactive material and places emission detectors on your brain. PET provides visual images of brain activity. SPECT measures blood flow to various regions of your brain.

Read more about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan at MayoClinic.com.