Neurological conditions

Question 1

What is Parkinsons Disease?

Answer 1

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement (basal ganglia). It is characterised by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. Symptoms include:

Tremors (shaking, often in the hands)
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Postural instability (balance problems)
Akinesia (no movements)

Question 2

What is the treatment for Parkinsons disease

Answer 2

Treat symptoms & delay neuronal loss with :
Levodopa - dopamine pre-cursor
Dopamine agonist - binds/stimulates to dopamine receptors
Anticholinergics - re-balance dopamine/acetylcholine
Deep brains stimulation
Supportive care

Question 3

What is a seizure?

Answer 3

Hyperactive and synchronous discharge of action potentials within groups of neurons in the cerebrum.

Cerebrum: responsible for higher brain functions, including thought, learning, memory, emotion, and voluntary movement.

Question 4

What is Epilepsy?

Answer 4

A neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can vary in intensity and duration, affecting movement, awareness, and behaviour.

Question 5

What is status epilepticus?

Answer 5

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged tonic-clonic seizures (>5mins) or multiple seizures occurring without full recovery of consciousness between episodes. Results in decreased ventilation and severe hypoxia coupled with an increased neuronal oxygen demand that is immediately life threatening.