Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What are the cardinal signs of Parkinsons Disease ?

Answer 1

Rigidity and trembling of head, rigidity and trembling of extremities, shuffling gait and short steps, reduced arm swinging, forward tilt of trunk, when they fall they fall like a tree

Question 2

What are the most distressing symtoms?

Answer 2

fear of falling, difficulty concentrating.

Question 3

Briefly describe the pathophysiology of Parkinsons Disease?

Answer 3

Parkinsons is a degenerative disease of the basal nuclei and relates to the loss of doapimne neirotransmitters, This loss of dopamine causes movement problems for patients.

Question 4

What are the manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 4

• Hypertonia - stiffness
• Tremor and rigidity
• Akinesia - stop when walking for no reason
• Bradykinesia - slow movements 
• Dysphagia/drooling - difficulty swallowing 
• Disease progression
• Stoop
>50% daytime sleepiness

Question 5

What is the common medication given to people with Parkinsons and what does it it do?

Answer 5

Sinemet.
Contains levodopa and carbidopa and is helpful in improving slow movement and muscle stiffness, healps treat shaking, difficulty swallowing and drooling.

Question 6

How does sinemet work?

Answer 6

Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa’s side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Question 7

What are some side effects of Sinemet?

Answer 7

Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or headache may occur, changes to colour of urine, sweat or saliva,