Parkinson's Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is Parkinson’s disease?
A
Neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia leading to a lack of dopamine
2
Q
What is Dopamine?
A
Neurotransmitter
3
Q
What does a lack of dopamine cause?
A
- Lack of excitement of the direct pathway leading to lack of movement
- Lack of inhibition of the indirect pathway leading to lack of movement
- Therefore, an overall lack of movement
4
Q
What does the direct pathway do?
A
Promotes movement
5
Q
What does the indirect pathway do?
A
Stops movement
6
Q
What does the substantia nigra do?
A
This is where the main source of dopamine is from
7
Q
Clinical presentation of PD?
A
- Bradykinesia
- Resting tremor
- Rigidity
8
Q
What is bradykinesia?
A
The slowness of a movement
