Neurology 2

Question 1

The limbic system controls elements of brain function.

Name two sections and their function.

Answer 1

Hippocampus - Formation of memory and learning knowledge linked with emotion

Amygdala - Controls extreme emotions like anger and love, impulsive behaviours

Hypothalamus - Temperature, monitor of blood levels of salt, blood pressure, some hormones

Thalamus - Relays sensory connection between areas

Question 2

Name the three meninge layers

Answer 2

Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater

Question 3

What fluid is the arachnoid matter filled with?

Answer 3

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

Question 4

Where is the corpus callosum located and what is it’s main function?

Answer 4

The corpus callosum is found in the middle of the brain, underneath the cerebral cortex.

It joins the left and right hemispheres together and is responsible for the transfer of information between the two hemispheres.

Question 5

Name the lobes in the cerebrum

Answer 5

Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital

Question 6

Define: Gyri

Answer 6

Folds or bumps in the brain

Question 7

Define: Sulci

Answer 7

Indentations or groves in the brain

Question 8

What are the functions of gyri and sulci?

Answer 8

Gyri and sulci separate brain regions and increase the brain’s surface area

Question 9

The main function of the cerebellum

Answer 9

Functions to coordinate balance and gait

Question 10

Name the parts of the brainstem

Answer 10

Midbrain
Pons
Medulla Oblongata

Question 11

Name the 4 ventricles in the brain in which CSF flows

Answer 11

Lateral ventricles (one in each hemisphere)

Third ventricle

Fourth ventricle

Question 12

Features of essential tremor

Answer 12

Fine tremor affecting voluntary muscles, usually symmetrical, more prominent on voluntary movement

Worse when tired, stressed or after caffeine.

Absent during sleep

Improves with alcohol

Question 13

Clinical diagnosis requires 2 out of 3 symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease triad, which are?

Answer 13

Rigidity
Resting tremor
Bradykinesia

Question 14

Name some non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 14

Depression, Anxiety, Constipation, Urinary dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction, Postural hypotension

Question 15

Name some of the medications that are problematic for Parkinson’s Disease patients

Answer 15

Haloperidol, Metoclopramide

Question 16

Define Parkinson’s Plus

Answer 16

Parkinson plus refers to a group of neurodegenerative diseases with features of parkinson disease (bradykinesia/tremor/rigidity/postural instability) and extra features that differentiate them from idiopathic parkinson’s

Question 17

What two other medications are Levodopa combined with?

Answer 17

Decarboxylase inhibitor to prevent it being converted into dopamine in the body before it gets to the CNS.

COMT Inhibitors, e.g. Entacapone which blocks an enzyme which metabolises levodopa.

Question 18

Levodopa works less well over time. What are the 3 common side effects seen when increasing the dose?

Answer 18

Dyskinesia
Chorea
Dystonia

Question 19

In the pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease, what is the role of MOAB inhibitors?

Answer 19

MOAB inhibitors work to inhibits an enzyme that wrongly hoovers up dopamine, therefore helping to increase the amount of circulating dopamine.

Question 20

In the pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease, what is the role of dopamine agonists?

Answer 20

Mimic dopamine by stimulating dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia.