neurodegenerative & seizure disorders Flashcards
Neurodegenerative disorders: characterized by what and caused by what 3 possible things?
Characterized by progressive loss of neuronal function in the CNS
Cause of disease thought to involve heredity, autoimmunity, & environmental factors
what is a tremor?
an unintentional (involuntary), rhythmical alternating movement that may affect the muscles of any part of the body. -caused by the rapid alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles and is a common symptom of diseases of the nervous system
what is chorea?
A term that is used to refer to rapid, jerky, involuntary movements of the limbs or face that characterize several different disorders of the nervous system
what are tics?
Sudden uncoordinated abnormal movements that occur repetitively especially seen in the face and head.
Can be suppressed voluntarily for short periods.
what population does parkinsons affect?
Onset usually between age 40 & 70, with peak onset in sixth decade
Slightly more common in men
what are the 4 Cardinal Signs of parkinsons?
- Rigidity: An increased basal muscle tone, inability to initiate movements
- Bradykinesia: Difficulty initiating movement & once initiated movement is slow
- Tremor: This occurs primarily at rest and improves with intention
- Postural/gait instability
what are the 4 secondary signs of parkinsons?
- As disease advances often get decline in cognitive function too but the hallmark of the disease is the movement disorder
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Speech disturbances
- Micrographia
pathophys of parkinsonism
For optimal control and coordination of movement need a balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in basal ganglia.
parkinsons–>excess of Ach and deficiency of dopamine= problems in the ability to control movement
(substantia nigra not making dopamine… no dopamine going to straitum…where it usually inhibits NTs)
what are the two goals of parkinsons drugs?
restore dopaminergic activity (b/c dopamine reduced) and/or balance excess Ach w/ anti-cholinergic/anti-muscarinic
When inhibiting dopa decarboxylase with carbidopa, another system is activated to metabolize dopamine…
-what do we need to counter-act this?
COMT Inhibiting COMT enzyme: Reduced accumulation of 3-O-methyldopa Prolong the action of levodopa Increase levodopa’s bioavailability
7 treatment principles for parkinsons
- Treatment based on symptoms – no treatment currently prevents progression
- Tailor treatment to the individual
- Early Disease can be managed with exercise and lifestyle interventions
- Medications can be delayed in younger patients and start when there is an impact on quality of life
- Several classes of medications can be used simultaneously
- Drug initiation for mild symptoms include:
MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine, or anticholinergics - As disease progresses, eventually levodopa or dopamine agonist is required
Younger patients (<65) dopamine agonist are preferred to reduce motor complications
Older patients (>65) levodopa/carbidopa tolerated better
parkinsons is a ____ deficit resultant from _____ loss in the _____that provides innervation to the straitum
dopaminergic
neuronal loss
substantia nigra
all parkinsons pt will eventually need what kind of medications?
dopaminerigic
what is the most effective medication for parkinsons?
levodopa (w/ carbidopa)
drug- induced parkinsonism: drugs? characterized by?
Haloperidol, metoclopramide, and the phenothiazines cause Parkinsonism b/c they antagonize dopamine receptors.
Characterized by:
Symptoms within 3 months of starting the neuroleptic
Related to dose of neuroleptic given, the higher the dose, more likely the symptoms
treatment for drug-induced parkinsonism?
decrease dose & usually better in a few weeks, if need to can use antimuscarinics
Don’t use levodopa does not help & can cause psychosis
