3.3 PD Medical Managment Flashcards
1
Q
What is the problem ?
A
Dopamine is unable to cross the blood brain barrier
2
Q
Treatment
A
Is then aimed at dopamine precursors to help cross the blood brain barrier
3
Q
What is the gold standard for treating PD?
A
Levodopa
4
Q
More on levodopa
A
Short half-life 90 mins
In the early stage : its side effects can last up to several hours and see improvements in motor symptoms.
5
Q
Side effects of levodopa
A
Nausea, orthostatic hypertension, sudden drops in BP
6
Q
Timing of medication
A
ON: medication is working/minimal motor impairments
OFF: medication is wearing off and there is a typical presentation of rigidity, freezing of gait and tremor.
