parkinson Flashcards
what is parkinson?
a progressive neurological disease that affects movement
risks for parkinson?
above 50, family hx, exposure to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metal.
what protects you from PD?
caffeine, smoking
clinical signs of PD
Cardinal signs
Diagnosis requires 2 of 3
Bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor (primarily at rest)
Other signs
Masked face, decreased arm swing, hypovolemic speech,
swallowing difficulty, micrographia, stooped posture,
shuffling gait, start hesitancy, festination and freezing.
Postural instability (later)
pathophysiology of PD
neurons in the cerebral cortex atrophy and lost, dopaminergic pathway degenerates, dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia decreases.
these causes a decrease in the production of dopamine from the substantia niagra. balance of dopamine and acetylcholine is disrupted. dopamine no longers inhibits acetylcholine.
area becomes overly active and creates tremor, impaired coordination of specific body movements.
what does acetylcholine do?
facilitate transmission of excitatory nerve impulses
what does dopamine do?
inhibit transmission of excitatory nerve impulses
Non-motor Features of PD
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression and anxiety
- Cognitive changes (mild cognitive impairment or dementia)
- Autonomic dysfunction (constipation, urinary problems, blood pressure fluctuations)
- Loss of smell (hyposmia)
- Pain (musculoskeletal pain, dystonia)
- Fatigue
- Speech and swallowing problems
diagnosis test for PD
MRI brain/ spine, PET, SPET
which medications are suitable for early symptoms of parkinsonism? SAB
Selegiline
Amantadine – anti-viral agent that
relieve symptoms in 2/3 of patients
Benzhexol - anti-cholinergics – useful
in treating tremors
what is the side effect of benzhexol?
Side effects – dryness of the mouth,
urinary retention, memory problems and
hallucinations
which medications are for neuroprotective purposes?
coenzyme Q10- powerful antioxidant
MAOI- selegiline
cardinal symptoms of parkinson
Bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor
