Movement Disorders Flashcards
Essential tremor Cerebellar Disease Ménière’s disease
What is Essential Tremor?
A common, progressive neurological disorder that causes involuntary rhythmic shaking, typically affecting the hands, head, or voice.
True or False: Essential Tremor typically worsens with movement or posture and is usually symmetrical.
true
Essential Tremor is primarily ________ in nature, although environmental factors may contribute.
Genetic
How can Essential Tremor be differentiated from Parkinson’s Disease?
In Essential Tremor, tremor usually occurs during voluntary movement or posture (postural tremor), while in Parkinson’s Disease, tremor occurs at rest (resting tremor).
Which of the following is commonly used to manage Essential Tremor?
A. Levodopa
B. Beta-blockers
C. Benzodiazepines
D. Dopamine agonists
B. Beta-blockers
What investigations should be conducted for a patient with suspected Essential Tremor?
Diagnosis is clinical, but imaging (e.g., MRI) may be used to exclude other causes, especially if atypical features are present.
True or False: Essential Tremor is typically associated with other neurological symptoms such as rigidity or bradykinesia.
False
What is the first-line treatment for Essential Tremor?
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are often the first-line treatment.
In severe cases of Essential Tremor that do not respond to medication, a procedure called ________ may be considered.
Deep brain stimulation
What is the prognosis of Essential Tremor?
While Essential Tremor is not life-threatening, it can worsen over time and affect quality of life due to functional impairments.
True or False: Essential tremor is usually a progressive condition
True. Essential tremor tends to worsen over time, but the progression rate varies among individuals.
What is the typical presentation of essential tremor?
The tremor is usually bilateral (affecting both sides of the body) and most prominent when the affected body part is in motion, such as when writing or holding an object. It may improve with alcohol consumption in some cases.
Essential tremor is most commonly seen in ________ (age group)
Older adults (typically over the age of 40).
What factors can exacerbate essential tremor?
Stress, fatigue, and stimulants such as caffeine can worsen essential tremor.
True or False: Essential tremor is associated with other neurological symptoms such as bradykinesia or rigidity
False. Essential tremor is primarily a motor symptom and does not include features like bradykinesia or rigidity, which are seen in conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.
What is the first-line treatment for essential tremor?
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are commonly used as the first-line treatment for essential tremor. If beta-blockers are ineffective, other medications like primidone may be considered.
True or False: Essential tremor is only hereditary.
False. Although essential tremor often has a familial component, it can also occur sporadically without a clear hereditary link.
What role do anticonvulsants play in managing essential tremor?
Anticonvulsants such as primidone may be used if beta-blockers are ineffective. They help reduce the tremor by modulating neuronal activity.
What is cerebellar disease?
Cerebellar disease refers to any condition that affects the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.
What are common signs of cerebellar disease?
Signs include ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), dysmetria (over- or under-shooting a target), dysdiadochokinesia (inability to perform rapid alternating movements), intention tremor, and nystagmus.
True or False: Dysmetria is characterized by the ability to accurately reach and touch a target.
False. Dysmetria refers to overshooting or undershooting a target.
Nystagmus is a type of _______ that can occur in cerebellar disease.
Nystagmus is a type of involuntary eye movement that can occur in cerebellar disease.
What type of reflexes are seen in cerebellar disease?
Reflexes in cerebellar disease can be described as “pendular,” meaning they are less brisk and slower in their rise and fall.
True or False: Pendular reflexes are associated with hyperreflexia in cerebellar disease
False. Pendular reflexes are slower and less brisk, not hyperreflexive.
What types of ataxia are observed in cerebellar disease?
Cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, and vestibular ataxia.
What are common causes of cerebellar disease?
Causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, alcohol-related cerebellar degeneration, and hereditary disorders like Friedreich’s ataxia.
True or False: A common cause of cerebellar disease is acute viral infections like chickenpox.
False. Acute viral infections are not a common cause of cerebellar disease.
What is the management approach for cerebellar disease?
Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, improving symptoms with physical therapy, and possibly using medications for associated symptoms like tremors or spasticity.
_______ therapy can help improve coordination in patients with cerebellar disease.
Physical therapy can help improve coordination in patients with cerebellar disease.