Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What are the 4 cardinal signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 1

-Tremor’s
-Rigidity
-Postural instability
-Bradykinesia (difficulty starting/ slow movements, difficulty repeating movements) and overall slowing

Question 2

When a patient with Parkinson’s is taking levodopa, they can develop dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic movements). This can be facial grimacing, rhythmic jerking, head bobbing, chewing and smacking. What is causing this reaction?

Answer 2

Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, this is how it helps with Parkinson’s symptoms. But this drug is taken intermittently, so dopamine levels rise and fall throughout the day, which can cause the dyskinesia

Question 3

is there a cure for Parkinson’s?

Answer 3

NO- the goal of treatment is to keep the patient as independent as possible for as long as possible

Question 4

What kind of gait will a patient with Parkinson’s present with?

Answer 4

a propulsive (push forward), forward leaning gait

Question 5

A definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s is signs and symptoms along with labs showing a decrease in ________.

Answer 5

dopamine

Question 6

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease, that causes uncontrolled/ unintended movement:
shaking
stiffness/ rigidity
difficulty w/ balance + coordination
tremors
flexed elbows/hips/knees/wrists
trouble swallowing/chewing/speaking

What manifestation puts these patients at an increased fall risk?

Answer 6

the shuffling gait

Question 7

what are some autonomic manifestations of Parkinson’s?

Answer 7

-sweating
-drooling
-paroxysmal (sudden) flushing
-orthostatic hypotension
-GI/GU retention or constipation
-skin issues

Question 8

The biggest goal for a patient with Parkinson’s is ……..

Answer 8

maintain their independence/ able to complete ADLs