Parkinson's Flashcards
What is Parkinsonism?
When you have symptoms that correlate with extrapyramidal problems
What occurs in Parkinson’s?
The dopaminergic neurones of the substantia nigra are diminshed
What is a histological hallmark of Parkinson’s?
Lewy bodies
Give some motor features of Parkinson’s
Tremor
Bradykinesia
Rigidity
Postural instability
Give some non-motor features of Parkinson’s
Sleep disorders Hallucinations GI dysfunction Depression Dementia Anosmia
In Parkinson’s, which tend to present first - motor or non-motor features?
Non-motor
How is Parkinson’s most commonly diagnosed?
Clinically - Parkinsonism, no alternative explanation and dopamine response
What diagnostic tests can be used for Parkinson’s?
Structural brain imaging
SPECT
Give some risk factors for Parkinson’s
Old age Family history Male Head injury Beta blocker use Pesticide exposure
What are the aims of Parkinson’s treatment?
Enhancing intracerebral dopamine concentrations
Stimulating dopamine receptors
Give some examples of drugs used in Parkinson’s
Levodopa Dopamine agonists (cabergoline) MAO type B inhibitors
When should Parkinson’s treatment be started?
When the patient experiences disability
Which drug class is used in moderate symptoms?
MAO type B inhibtors
Which drug class is used in severe symptoms?
Dopamine agents
Give some side effects of dopamine agonists
Nausea
Daytime sleepiness
Oedema