Chorea, Tremor and Other Movement Disorders

Question 1

Some features of Essential Tremor (ET) ?

Answer 1

Most often manifests as a postural or action tremor and can interefere with functions such as eating and drinking. Typically bilateral and symmetric, may also begin on one side and remain asymmetric.

Question 2

Therapies for ET ?

Answer 2

β-blockers and primidone are standard (help in 50%) of cases, surgery targeting the ventro-intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, focal ultrasound.

Question 3

Most common body areas affected by focal dystonias?

Answer 3

Cervical Dystonia : 50%, blepharospam 20%

Question 4

Some features of Huntington’s Disease ?

Answer 4

Involuntary choreiform movements,Dysarthria, Gait disturbance, cognitive impairment with dementia.

Question 5

Describe the Westphal variant of HD (affecting 10% of patients)

Answer 5

It is an akinetic-rigid or parkinsonian syndrome.

Question 6

HD patients may also develop…?

Answer 6

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and neuroendocrine abnormalities (e.g. hypothalamic dysfunction)

Question 7

Most common cause of Hemiballismus ?

Answer 7

A partial lesion (infarct or hemorrhage) in the subthalamic nucleus). In 30-40% of cases the lesion is found in the putamen, thalamus, or parietal cortex.

Question 8

Characteristics of neuroleptic malignant syndrome ?

Answer 8

Acute or subacute onset of muscle rigidity, elevated temperature, altered mental status, hyperthermia,tachycardia, labile blood pressure, renal failure, and markedly elevated creatine kinase levels.