Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a disruption of nerve pathways that are responsible for controlling movement in your body. While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, Dignity Health doctors offer the latest treatments that focus on reducing the severity of the symptoms. The main therapy options are medication and surgery.

If you or a loved one needs treatment for Parkinson’s disease in the Bay Area, come to a Dignity Health hospital for personalized care. Our skilled neurologists offer the latest therapies and procedures to treat all types of movement disorders. To make an appointment, use our search tool and Find a Doctor near you.

Parkinson’s Medication

Initial treatment may include medications to help boost dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that is essential for nerve cell signaling and normal movement. Certain medications for Parkinson’s disease can improve symptoms by directly and indirectly increasing dopamine levels.

These are the main types of Parkinson’s medication:

• Amantadine
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Dopamine agonist drugs
• Levodopa/carbidopa combination
• MAO-B inhibitor and COMT inhibitor drugs

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and side effects of each. Together, you can decide which medication might work best.

Parkinson’s Disease Surgery

Dignity Health neurologists may recommend a deep brain stimulator (DBS) for many neurological disorders, but especially to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If you have disability from tremors, slowed movement, stiffness, rigidity, or difficulty walking, surgery for Parkinson’s may be helpful.

During DBS surgery, an electrode is implanted in your brain and connected to a device similar to a pacemaker. The device is placed near your collarbone and sends painless electrical impulses to correct the faulty nerve signals that cause movement problems and tremors.

Considering Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

In most cases, drug therapy is effective at treating Parkinson’s disease. Talk with your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for medication or DBS surgery. He or she may also prescribe physical or occupational therapy to assist your treatment.

No matter how severe the disorder, our neurologists will work to improve your mobility and quality of life. Find expert care at your nearest Dignity Health hospital in the Bay Area.