There is some disagreement as to which medication should be used first. Some studies suggest that Eldepryl might be beneficial when used first. However, many neurologists, including me, feel that L-Dopa is the primary medication in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and should be used when treatment is necessary. These surgical procedures are of benefit to a very select group of patients. The prognosis in Parkinson's disease varies widely.
Many patients respond quite well to treatment and live long and active lives.
These Parkinson's Plus syndromes tend to be more progressive, more severe, and less responsive to treatment. As mentioned earlier, the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can only be made by a physician after doing a history and neurological examination. There are many conditions that may look similar to Parkinson's disease, most notably a heredofamilial or essential tremor. Medical examination is necessary to differentiate these conditions from Parkinson's disease.