L-Dopa in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Most patients with Parkinson's disease who are given L-dopa improve, and the response of some is dramatic. Sometimes, however, the amount of drug necessary to control tremor or rigidity or other features will also produce intolerable side effects. Minor and major untoward effects are numerous and frequent, and the ultimate safety and value of this treatment are undefined. Still its potential usefulness is confirmed in clinical trials.