Neurology - Huntington's and Parkinson's

Question 1

What is the cause of Huntington’s?

Answer 1

autosomal dominant genetics

overproduction of huntingtin leads to loss of neurons in caudate nucleus and putamen

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Huntington’s?

Answer 2

irritability, depression, incoordination, chorea, dementia, fits

Question 3

What is the pathology of Parkinson’s?

Answer 3

decreased dopamine production due to loss of pigmented neurons in substantial nigra, subthalamic nucleus can become overstimulated

Question 4

What are the 3 main parkinson plus syndromes and their main features?

Answer 4

• multiple system atrophy (MSA) - PD and cerebellar ataxia and autonomic dysfunction and corticospiral
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) - eye problems, PD, behavioural
• Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) - one limb first

Question 5

What is Parkinson’s plus syndrome?

Answer 5

A group of neurodevelopmental disorders with classical features of Parkinsons with additional features

• progress more rapidly
• anti-parkinson medication

Question 6

What are some treatments for parkinson’s disease?

Answer 6

levodopa

dopamine agonists e.g. bromocriptine

Question 7

What are some symptoms of parkinson’s?

Answer 7

suffling gait, reduced arm swing 
rocking to stand 
pill rolling tremor
cogg wheel rigidity 
problems with speech 
bradykinesia