Parkinson's Disease

Treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and other specialties treat Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but your doctor will work with you to help you manage your condition. Your doctor will tailor your treatment to your individual needs, depending on the severity of your condition, your age and the presence of other medical conditions.

Your treatment may include:

• Medications. Some medications may help you manage your condition and symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe the drug levodopa, a natural chemical that your body converts into dopamine. Often, you'll take levodopa with a medication (carbidopa) that protects levodopa from premature conversion to dopamine in your bloodstream, before it reaches your brain.

  Other medications may include drugs that imitate the effects of dopamine in your brain (dopamine agonists), drugs that inhibit an enzyme (monoamine oxidase B) that metabolizes dopamine in your brain (MAO B inhibitors), drugs that inhibit another enzyme (catechol-O-methyltransferase) that breaks down dopamine (COMT inhibitors), or a medication that affects another brain chemical system (amantadine). Medications may have side effects. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medications are most appropriate for you.

• Deep brain stimulation. In deep brain stimulation, surgeons implant electrodes into a specific area of your brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator that sends electrical pulses to your brain and may help control your Parkinson's disease symptoms. Surgery may involve risks, and your surgeon will work with you to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment for you.
• Physical therapy. You may benefit from physical therapy and exercise. Physical activity may help improve your physical and mental well-being, balance, flexibility and strength.
• Follow-up and support. Your doctor will provide you with follow-up care and education about your condition. You and your family may benefit from participating in a support group.