Parkinson's

Question 1

What is Parkinsonism?

Answer 1

When you have symptoms that correlate with extrapyramidal problems

Question 2

What occurs in Parkinson’s?

Answer 2

The dopaminergic neurones of the substantia nigra are diminshed

Question 3

What is a histological hallmark of Parkinson’s?

Answer 3

Lewy bodies

Question 4

Give some motor features of Parkinson’s

Answer 4

Tremor
Bradykinesia
Rigidity
Postural instability

Question 5

Give some non-motor features of Parkinson’s

Answer 5

Sleep disorders
Hallucinations
GI dysfunction
Depression
Dementia
Anosmia

Question 6

In Parkinson’s, which tend to present first - motor or non-motor features?

Answer 6

Non-motor

Question 7

How is Parkinson’s most commonly diagnosed?

Answer 7

Clinically - Parkinsonism, no alternative explanation and dopamine response

Question 8

What diagnostic tests can be used for Parkinson’s?

Answer 8

Structural brain imaging

SPECT

Question 9

Give some risk factors for Parkinson’s

Answer 9

Old age
Family history
Male
Head injury
Beta blocker use
Pesticide exposure

Question 10

What are the aims of Parkinson’s treatment?

Answer 10

Enhancing intracerebral dopamine concentrations

Stimulating dopamine receptors

Question 11

Give some examples of drugs used in Parkinson’s

Answer 11

Levodopa
Dopamine agonists (cabergoline)
MAO type B inhibitors

Question 12

When should Parkinson’s treatment be started?

Answer 12

When the patient experiences disability

Question 13

Which drug class is used in moderate symptoms?

Answer 13

MAO type B inhibtors

Question 14

Which drug class is used in severe symptoms?

Answer 14

Dopamine agents

Question 15

Give some side effects of dopamine agonists

Answer 15

Nausea
Daytime sleepiness
Oedema

Question 16

Who should dopamine agonists be avoided in?

Answer 16

Patients with a history of addiction or impulse control disorders