Parkinson's disease: initial treatment of motor disorders.

Parkinson's disease is characterised by three main symptoms: slowness and paucity of movements, rigidity, and resting tremor. Rapid improvement in these symptoms after levodopa administration supports the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. It is important to inform the patient tactfully, allowing him or her to control the pace at which information on the diagnosis, symptoms and prognosis is conveyed. Patients with minimal discomfort or mild disability derive little benefit from drug therapy. Physiotherapy and physical exercises are sometimes useful. Previously untreated patients with marked functional impairment should receive medication. The choice is essentially between levodopa and ropinirole, and mainly depends on the patient's age.