basal ganglia and cerebellum

Question 1

what does primary neuropathology of Parkinson’s disease include

Answer 1

neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurones that originate in substantia nigra and project to striatum

Question 2

locus classicus of Parkinson’s disease

Answer 2

substantia nigra (dopaminergic cells containing neuromelanin) lost

Question 3

nigro-striatal pathway

Answer 3

nigrostriatal fibres from substantia nigra up to striatum

Question 4

5 main motor signs of Parkinson’s disease

Answer 4

bradykinesia, hypomimic face, akinesia, rigidity, tremor at rest

Question 5

what is bradykinesia

Answer 5

slowness of (small) movements e.g. doing up buttons, handling a knife

Question 6

what is hypomimic face

Answer 6

expressionless, mask-like (absence of movements that normally animate the face)

Question 7

what is akinesia

Answer 7

difficulty in initiation of movements because cannot initiate movements internally

Question 8

why is rigidity a sign

Answer 8

muscle tone increases, causing resistance to externally imposed joint movements

Question 9

features of tremors at rest and spread

Answer 9

4-7 Hz, starts in one hand (“pill-rolling tremor” - rotation around wrist); with time spreads to other parts of the body (unilateral to bilateral; distal to proximal)

Question 10

Parkinson’s disease effect on vertebral column

Answer 10

kyphosis

Question 11

Parkinson’s disease and cognitive decline

Answer 11

Parkinson’s disease spreads through brain over time, causing cognitive decline