Neurological

Question 1

What is Parkinson’s disease?
P
B

Answer 1

Progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons from the substantia nigra within basal ganglia. Basal ganglia regulates initiation, cessation and intensity of skeletal muscle movements.

But with Parkinson’s disease, basal ganglia can’t send signals effectively to the pre motor cortex

Question 2

Signs of Parkinson’s? (Main)
STM

Answer 2

Slowed/no movement
Tremor when resting
Muscle stiffness

Question 3

Other S+S of Parkinson’s?
SACD

Answer 3

Speech and swallowing difficulties
Alterations to posture and gait
Cognitive decline occurs
Decreased facial movement

Question 4

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s? If so, why?
LADDS

Answer 4

No bc we can’t make or replace neurons - so all we can do is manage the symptoms and delay the progression of it.
Eg =
Levodopa
Anticholinergics
Dopamine agonists
Deep brain stimulation
Supportive care = PT and OT

Question 5

What is epilepsy?

Answer 5

Epilepsy is the recurrent, unprovoked/unpredictable seizure.

It is a hyperactive, synchronous discharge of AP within large groups of neurons in cerebrum

Question 6

What is partial seizure?
(Group of neurons in one part of brain)

Answer 6

Partial seizure is when there is an abnormal electrical activity occurring in a specific group of neurons within one part of the brain

Question 7

What is simple partial seizure?

Answer 7

Simple partial seizure is part of partial seizure and is when you remain conscious and aware but experience a sensorial and or motor effect

Question 8

What is complex partial seizure?

Answer 8

Complex partial seizure is part of partial seizure and is the loss or alteration of consciousness in association with the sensorial and or motor effect = may progress to generalised seizure.

Question 9

What is generalised seizure?

Answer 9

Generalised seizure includes most/all of the brain typically resulting in the loss of consciousness

Question 10

Tonic, Atonic, Clonic = ???

Answer 10

Whole body and loss on consciousness

Question 11

What is tonic seizure?

Answer 11

Tonic seizure is the increase in muscle tone and stiffness

Question 12

What’s Atonic?

Answer 12

Complete muscle relaxation

Question 13

What’s clonic?

Answer 13

Muscle convulsions

Question 14

What’s myoclonic?

Answer 14

Short muscle twitches in localised area

Question 15

What’s absence seizure?

Answer 15

Spaced out/staring appearance with no movement and decreased consciousness

Question 16

What’s tonic clonic seizure?

Answer 16

Tonic phase (muscles stiff) becoming clonic phase (muscle convulsions) = loss of consciousness

Question 17

What is a serious complication of epilepsy?

Answer 17

Status epilepticus

Question 18

What is status epi and why so serious?

Answer 18

It’s a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes or recurrent without rest longer than 5 minutes
Its serious bc Seizures increase o2 demand and neurons – decreases ventilation = neuronal dysfunction resulting in brain death and respiratory failure

Question 19

What does levodopa do?

Answer 19

Increases dopamine levels.

Question 20

What is Anticholinergics when used for Parkinson’s

Answer 20

Maintain dopamine ach levels