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- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment)
 
  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment)
 
 #  Surgical Treatment Options 

 

   

  ## 💡 Quick Summary 

 - Early Parkinson’s treatment focuses on medications to manage symptoms and reduce motor fluctuations.

- Advanced options like [deep brain stimulation (DBS)](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") and Duopa™ are considered when medications are no longer sufficient.

- Surgical treatments target [tremor](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") and motor fluctuations, improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

 

   ![Doctor performing surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/surgicaltreatmentoptions.jpg?itok=9p5FoaV6)  In the first few years of living with Parkinson’s, your doctor will most likely utilize medications to help manage your symptoms. Medications often help minimize [motor fluctuations](/library/fact-sheets/managing-off-time "Managing "Off" Time in Parkinson's") (changes in the ability to move, often related to medication timing; also called “on-off” fluctuations). However, there are occasions when medication is not enough and advanced treatment options are considered.

It is important to explore surgical options with your PD specialist if this is something you may consider. While surgery can be an effective treatment option for some PD symptoms, these tend to be the symptoms that previously improved while using [levodopa](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa"). Surgery is often reserved for those who have optimized and exhausted medications for Parkinson’s tremor, or who experience profound motor fluctuations.

Currently, the two most common surgical treatments available for people living with PD are called deep brain stimulation (DBS) and Duopa™.

  ##  Get Informed 

  ###  Deep Brain Stimulation 

This powerful therapy can improve several movement and some non-movement symptoms. Learn more about DBS, its benefits, and if you are a possible candidate.

 

 [Discover DBS](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation) 

 ###  Duopa 

Designed to increase “on” time throughout the day, this therapy replaces most medications taken in pill form. Find out if Duopa would work for you.

 

 [Learn More](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/duopa) 

 ###  Other Surgical Options 

While not as common, there are other advanced treatments that can help minimize symptoms. Learn more about how they work and their benefits.

 

 [Explore Options](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-options/other-surgical-options) 

 

  ![phil_sorgel](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/phil_sorgel.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=XJEJrZ7o)  

 MY PD STORY: Phil Sorgel 

 Parkinson’s is in fact a “journey”—a path you start down with your initial diagnosis, but one that continues as you evaluate the various alternatives available to you, and one that further continues based on the decisions you make.

 

 [ READ Phil's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/phil-sorgel) 

 

 *Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Clinical Assistant Professor and Dr. Amelia Heston, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Michigan.*

  ##  Related Materials 

   Books 

###  [ Advanced Treatment Options: A Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation, Pump Medications & Focused Ultrasound ](/library/books/advanced-treatment-options) 



 [Read Now](/library/books/advanced-treatment-options)

   Videos & Webinars 

###  [ Neuro Talk: Surgical Options for Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/videos/surgical-options) 



 [Watch Now](/library/videos/surgical-options)

   Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 112: Non-pharmaceutical Treatments for PD: DBS and Focused Ultrasound ](/library/podcast/112) 



 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/112)

  

 

 ###  Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide 

 The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay.

 [ORDER NOW](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) 

 [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) 

 

 

 

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