Parkinsons Disease Flashcards
What is the pathology of PD?
Degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra (specifically the pars compacta region)
Where is the substantia nigra found?
Dark stripes on either side of the midline in the midbrain
The pars reticulata is more lateral and pars compacta more medial when viewing coronally
What causes PD?
Most commonly unknown cause
Can have a genetic link
It is the most common neurological disorder. T/F
It gets less common with age. T/F
Fertiliser exposure is a risk factor. T/F
T
F - more common with age
F - pesticide exposure is a risk factor
What drug is used to manage PD?
MoA
Levodopa
Increases dopamine signalling directly in the brain by being able to pass through the BBB
What are the 4 motor signs of PD?
Resting tremor (diminishes with movement)
Rigidity (on passive movement)
Bradykinesia
Postural and gait instability
Having a resting tremor helps identify PD from other DDs how?
Resting tremor is specific to PD
If it was cereberellar disease -> action tremor
Medications help to revert and prevent progression. T/F
F - only work symptomatically
Why is levodopa given alongside carbidopa?
Carbidopa is a dopa decaboxylase inhibitor (this breaks down levodopa into dopamine peripherally -> dopamine can’t cross the BBB)
Parkinsonism can be caused by what anti-emetic and what class of anti-psychotics?
Anti-emetic - metoclopramide
Anti-psychotic - more commonly typical (rarely atypical)
What must be given alongside levodopa-carbidopa?
Domperidone (anti-emetic) - take 30 mins before
NOT metoclopramide
What facially is characteristic of Parkinson’s?
Expressionless face when talking
How may a patient with PD posture appear?
Stooped posture
What is a histological hallmark of PD?
Lewy bodies
Name 3/6 of the non-motor symptoms?
- Sleep disturbance
- Hallucinations
- Dementia
- Depression
- GI dysfunction
- Anosmia
