Neurology 2 Flashcards
The limbic system controls elements of brain function.
Name two sections and their function.
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
Name the three meninge layers
Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater
What fluid is the arachnoid matter filled with?
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
Where is the corpus callosum located and what is it’s main function?
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.
Name the lobes in the cerebrum
Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital
Define: Gyri
Folds or bumps in the brain
Define: Sulci
Indentations or groves in the brain
What are the functions of gyri and sulci?
Gyri and sulci separate brain regions and increase the brain’s surface area
The main function of the cerebellum
Functions to coordinate balance and gait
Name the parts of the brainstem
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla Oblongata
Name the 4 ventricles in the brain in which CSF flows
Lateral ventricles (one in each hemisphere)
Third ventricle
Fourth ventricle
Features of essential tremor
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
Clinical diagnosis requires 2 out of 3 symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease triad, which are?
Rigidity
Resting tremor
Bradykinesia
Name some non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Depression, Anxiety, Constipation, Urinary dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction, Postural hypotension
Name some of the medications that are problematic for Parkinson’s Disease patients
Haloperidol, Metoclopramide
Define Parkinson’s Plus
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
What two other medications are Levodopa combined with?
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.
Levodopa works less well over time. What are the 3 common side effects seen when increasing the dose?
Dyskinesia
Chorea
Dystonia
In the pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease, what is the role of MOAB inhibitors?
MOAB inhibitors work to inhibits an enzyme that wrongly hoovers up dopamine, therefore helping to increase the amount of circulating dopamine.
In the pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease, what is the role of dopamine agonists?
Mimic dopamine by stimulating dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia.
