Parkinson's

Question 1

symptoms of parkinson’s

Answer 1

rest tremor
rigidity
bradykinesia (slow movement)
postural instability
micrographia
hypophonia (low voice)
dysarthria (difficulty articulating words)

Question 2

mechanism of parkinson’s

Answer 2

substantia nigra dies which decreases DA and leaves a surplus of acetylcholine

*TCAs and alzheimer’s meds would worsen

Question 3

parkinson’s meds

Answer 3

either increase DA, decrease acetylcholine, or slow the destruction of neurons

levodopa/carbidopa
selegiline
benztropine
trihexyphenidyl

Question 4

levodopa/carbidopa

Answer 4

most effective tx; increases DA levels; carpidopa makes levodopa work better
“if it’s not a carb, prob can’t eat it”

avoid high protein, vitamin B6, pyridoxine

slow onset, loses efficacy after 5yrs
side effects:
psychosis
orthostatic hypoTN

Question 5

benztropine and trihexyphenidyl

Answer 5

2nd line of defense for epilepsy; centrally acting anticholinergics

side effects:
anticholinergic
sedation