Neurological Patient Flashcards
What is the primary goal for Parkinson’s Disease medications?
To improve motor control and alleviate motor symptoms.
What is Levodopa (L-dopa) used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
It is the primary medication for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms, particularly bradykinesia and rigidity.
What is the role of Carbidopa in Parkinson’s Disease treatment?
Carbidopa inhibits the dopa decarboxylase enzyme outside of the CNS, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain before being converted to dopamine.
What are the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects of Levodopa therapy?
GI problems (nausea and vomiting), cardiovascular problems (cardiac arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, syncope).
What are the behavioral changes associated with Levodopa therapy?
Behavior changes, diminished response over time, psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, confusion, impulsiveness, and tolerance to the medication.
What are the fluctuations in Levodopa responses?
- End-of-dose akinesia (effects wear off before the next dose)
- On-off phenomenon (sudden, spontaneous decreases in effects).
What are dopamine agonists used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
Dopamine agonists are used to provide steadier and more prolonged effects, especially when there are fluctuations or diminished responses to Levodopa.
What are anticholinergic drugs used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
To limit acetylcholine transmission and reduce symptoms of tremors and rigidity.
What is Amantadine used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
An antiviral drug that reduces dyskinesias and other motor complications associated with Levodopa therapy.
What is the role of Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease?
To inhibit the MAO-B enzyme, prolonging dopamine effects in the brain and alleviating motor symptoms.
What are Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
To inhibit the COMT enzyme, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and reducing fluctuations in response.
What are the rehabilitation considerations for patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
Plan therapy visits to peak effective treatment times, typically 1 hour after Levodopa dose, and monitor for orthostatic hypotension and freezing episodes.
What are the characteristics and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings.
What are amyloid plaques and their role in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain, damaging neuron cell walls, causing inflammation, loss of synapses, and cell death.
What are Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEIs) used for in Alzheimer’s Disease?
To inhibit the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, delaying or preventing symptoms from worsening.
What is the role of NMDA antagonists in Alzheimer’s Disease?
To reduce excitotoxic neuronal injury and delay the progression of deficits in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Disease.
How do statins and antiamyloid strategies work in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Statins reduce cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk, potentially reducing amyloid accumulation, while antiamyloid strategies focus on reducing amyloid plaques.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its common symptoms?
An inflammatory degenerative CNS disease characterized by fatigue, motor signs (spasticity), and periods of remission and relapsing-remitting symptoms.
What are the drug therapies for MS?
Drugs for acute relapses (corticosteroids) and disease-modifying drugs (immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects).
What is the role of Interferons in MS treatment?
Interferons have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, reducing lesion accumulation and relapse frequency.
How does Glatiramer Acetate (GA) work in MS?
GA simulates myelin basic protein, acting as a ‘myelin decoy’ to reduce myelin degradation by blocking T-cells.
What is Mitoxantrone used for in MS treatment?
An antineoplastic drug that suppresses T-cell activity, reducing myelin sheath degradation, with significant adverse effects including cardiotoxicity and liver dysfunction.
What are the common symptoms of fatigue in MS and off-label uses for treatment?
Fatigue can reduce cognition, increase depression, and limit physical activity, with off-label uses of modafinil, amantadine, pemoline, and methylphenidate.
Which medication might be used to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Simvastatin, a statin medication that lowers LDL accumulation and reduces the risk of amyloid buildup.
Which enzyme do Alzheimer’s Disease medications primarily target for inhibition?
Acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the brain.
How do Glatiramer Acetate (GA) drugs work in managing MS symptoms?
GA acts as a myelin decoy, reducing myelin degradation by blocking T-cells.
