Parkinsons Flashcards
What is a tremor?
Rhythmic, involuntary movement, common in Parkinson’s.
What is chorea?
Irregular, rapid, jerky movements that impair voluntary control, associated with Huntington’s.
What is ballismus?
Violent, flinging limb movements caused by subthalamic nucleus damage.
What is athetosis?
Slow, writhing movements, typically in hands and fingers.
What is dystonia?
Sustained, involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal postures or repetitive movements.
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
Regulates motor activities by inhibiting or facilitating signals.
What is the function of the motor cortex?
Executes voluntary movements.
What is the function of the thalamus?
Relays sensory and motor signals between the basal ganglia and motor cortex.
What is the pathology of Parkinson’s disease?
Dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra, reducing dopamine in the basal ganglia.
What is the pathology of Huntington’s disease?
Loss of GABAergic neurons in the basal ganglia, resulting in excessive movement.
What are the common signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Resting tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.
What are risk factors for Parkinson’s disease?
Age 60+, male, SNCA gene mutation, exposure to pesticides or heavy metals.
What is the role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s?
Involved in synaptic vesicle regulation; misfolded forms create Lewy bodies leading to neurodegeneration.
What are non-pharmacologic treatments for Parkinson’s?
Exercise, physical therapy (balance and gait training), and occupational therapy.
What is the role of levodopa in Parkinson’s treatment?
Converts to dopamine in the brain, restoring dopaminergic activity.