Parkinsons

Question 1

List as many signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s as you can

Answer 1

Bradykinesia- Hallmark

Slow, shuffling gait. May lead to Festination

Struggles to turn

Struggles to initiate movement s such as standing up

Tremor

Voice becomes softer

Swallowing Difficulties

Hand writing becomes worse

REM behavior. Act out dream

Depression

Sense of smell goes

Facial muscle weakness

Constipation

Question 2

What questions should be asked in the PMH?

Answer 2

Head injury,

Stroke/ Cardio risk factors

Question 3

What is the autosomal dominant gene linked to Parkinson’s

Answer 3

LARK2, only 5-10% of Parkinson’s is hereditary

Question 4

What things should be examined with a Parkinson’s Patient

Answer 4

General- Voice, Facial movements, balance

Check for resting tremor- Ask patient to count backwards

Check for rigidity

Finger taps- decrement in amplitude

Writing- Decrement

Offer BP- may be postural drop due to atrophy of autonomic nerves