Neurological Disorders Flashcards
What is the primary drug treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet)
-Replenishes dopamine in the brain
What are common side effects of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
Nausea, orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias, hallucinations
What is Benztropine (Cogentin) used for in Parkinson’s?
Reduces tremors and muscle rigidity (anticholinergic)
What class of drugs are used alongside Levodopa to prolong its effect?
COMT inhibitors (Entacapone)
What is the purpose of Baclofen (Lioresal) in multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Relieves muscle spasticity
Which drug class includes interferon beta and Fingolimod, used for MS?
Disease-modifying agents (immune modulators)
Which corticosteroid is commonly used to treat MS flare-ups?
Methylprednisolone or Prednisone-reduces inflammation, shortens relapse
What does Galtiramer acetate (Copaxone) do in MS?
Converts harmful T cells into protective T cells
What medication is used for urinary retention in MS?
Bethanechol
What medication helps with urinary incontinence in MS?
Oxybutynin or Botulinum toxin
What seizure medication is used for tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus?
Phenytoin (Dilantin), Diazepam, Fosphenytoin
What are key diagnostics for seizure disorders?
EEG, CT, MRI, Serum electrolytes
What medication is used for ALS to slow progression?
Riluzole (Rilutek)
Which med is used in myasthenia gravis to improve muscle strength?
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)
What diagnostic test confirms myasthenia gravis?
Edrophonium (Tensilon) test- rapid improvement in muscle strength
What medications treat Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
IV immune globulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis
What is Donepezil (Aricept) used for?
Treats memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterase inhibitor)
What does Memantine (Namenda) treat?
Moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s (NMDA receptor antagonist)
What’s a key symptom of Huntington’s disease?
Choreiform (jerky) movements; treated with tranquilizers & antiparkinsonian drugs
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
Speeds up nerve impulse conduction along axons
What is a major cause of meningitis?
Bacteria like N. Meningitidis & S. Pneumoniae
What are signs of bacterial meningitis?
Fever, headache, unchallenging rigidity, photophobia, vomiting
What are CSF findings in bacterial meningitis?
cloudy CSF, elevated WBCs, positive culture
What medications are used for bacterial meningitis?
IV antibiotics (penicillin, vancomycin), anticonvulsants if seizures occur