Revision - Parkinson's, Tremor, MS & MND Flashcards
What triad of features is seen in PD?
1) Tremor
2) Bradykinesia
3) Rigidity
Are the symptoms of PD characteristically symmetrical or asymmetrical?
Asymmetrical
Is PD more common in men or women?
2x more common in men
What is the frequency of the tremor in PD?
3-5 Hz
When is the tremor in PD most marked?
At rest
When does the tremor in PD improve?
With voluntary movement
Frequency of benign essential tremor?
6-12 Hz
If there is difficulty differentiating between essential tremor and PD, what investigation can be considered?
I‑FP‑CIT single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
What type of dementia can be associated with features of Parkinsonism?
Dementia with lewy bodies
What are the 4 groups of treatment in PD?
1) Levodopa
2) COMT inhibitors
3) Dopamine agonists
4) Monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors
What is levodopa?
Synthetic dopamine
What is levodopa usually combined with?
A peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (e.g., carbidopa and benserazide)
Stops levodopa from being metabolised before reaching the brain
1st line treatment option in PD if the motor symptoms are affecting the patient’s quality of life?
Levodopa
1st line treatment in PD if the motor symptoms are not affecting the patient’s quality of life?
Dopamine agonist, levodopa or monoamine oxidase B (MAO‑B) inhibitor
What are 2 combination drugs given in PD? (i.e. levodopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor)?
1) Levodopa + carbidopa –> Co-careldopa
2) Levodopa + benserazide –> Co-beneldopa
What is the main side effect of levodopa?
Dyskinesia (abnormal movements associated with excessive motor activity)
Give 3 examples of dyskinesia that may be seen in levodopa use
1) Chorea –> abnormal involuntary movements that can be jerking and random
2) Athetosis –> involuntary twisting or writhing movements
3) Dystonia –> excessive muscle contraction leads to abnormal postures or exaggerated movements
What may be given to manage dyskinesia associated with levodopa?
Amantadine (a glutamate antagonist)
What are COMT inhibitors?
inhibitors of catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT).
Give an example of a COMT inhibitor used in PD
entacapone
What is the role of the COMT enzyme?
Metabolises dopamine in the body and brain
Purpose of giving COMT inhibitor (e.g. entacapone) in PD?
Entacapone is taken with levodopa (and a decarboxylase inhibitor) to slow the breakdown of the levodopa in the brain. It extends the effective duration of the levodopa.
Give 3 examples of dopamine agonists used in PD
1) bromocriptine
2) cabergoline
3) pergolide
When are dopamine agonists typically used in PD?
They are typically used to delay the use of levodopa, then used in combination with levodopa to reduce the required dose.
What is a notable side effect of prolonged use of dopamine agonists?
Pulmonary fibrosis
Role of monoamine oxidase enzymes?
Break down circulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline.
Which monoamine oxidase enzyme is most specific to dopamine?
Monoamine oxidase-B enzyme
Give 2 examples of Monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors used in PD?
1) Selegiline
2) Rasagiline
PD medication can be associated with impulse control disorders.
These can occur with any dopaminergic therapy but are more common which which class of drug?
Dopamine agonists
What are 2 risk factors for a patient developing an impulse control disorder on PD medication?
1) a history of previous impulsive behaviours
2) a history of alcohol consumption and/or smoking
Common side effects of levodopa?
dry mouth
anorexia
palpitations
postural hypotension
psychosis
Some adverse effects are due to the difficulty in achieving a steady dose of levodopa.
Give some examples:
1) End of dose wearing off
2) ‘On-off’ phenomenon
3) Dyskinesias at peak dose
What is the end-of-dose wearing off seen in levodopa use?
Symptoms often worsen towards the end of dosage interval, which results in a decline of motor activity
What is the ‘on off’ phenomenon seen in levodopa use?
Large variations in motor performance, with normal function during the ‘on’ period, and weakness and restricted mobility during the ‘off’ period
If patients with PD taking levodopa are admitted to hospital and cannot take oral meds, what should you do?
Prescribe dopamine agonist patch to prevent acute dystonia
What class of drug is used to treat drug-induced parkinsonism?
Anticholinergics e.g. procyclidine
What are 2 medications that may be used in benign essential tremor?
1) Propanolol
2) Primidone (a barbiturate anti-epileptic medication)
What are the 3 subtypes of MS?
1) relapsing remitting (most common)
2) 1ary progressive
3) 2ary progressive
What is 2ary progressive MS?
Relapsing-remitting that has DETERIORATED and have developed neurological signs and symptoms between relapses.