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Mary, You asked what Emory offered that Johns Hopkins didn't? Mainly the fact that I live in Arkansas and Emory was the closest facility considered to be among the "top ones" regarding PD. The main reason I had the evaluation was to get a second opinion. My neurologist thought I would benefit from a thalamotomy because my tremor was my worst symptom. Emory suggested I not have the thalamotomy, for several reasons: (1) the medications were working on me and I was on a somewhat low dosage. (2) even though the risk is very slight, they said, "if you are in the minority that suffers blindness, or other ill effects from the surgery --the risk is no longer slight, to you." (3) They fully believe that a better treatment or cure is coming very soon, and I still had plenty of time to wait. If I waited 2 or 3 years, I could still have the thalamotomy if nothing better came along. So why take the risk now? (I agreed). I appreciated the fact that they were conservative regarding the surgery, and I didn't have it. They made a minor change in my medication --changing a 1/2 tablet of Sinemet 25/100 in the evening to 1 tablet of Sinemet CR (25/100). This was to make my medication last longer through the night so I wouldn't have "peaks and valleys." They suggested I come back once a year for a re-evaluation, so I am. I can't say enough good things about Emory. Also, my neurologist had no problem with any of this. So I've been real lucky with my doctors. Rosemary Russell (49, 2 1/2yrs.) Arkansas ([log in to unmask])