Degenerative Neuro Conditions

Question 1

Is Parkinsons Disease a disorder of the:
a) Central Nervous System
or
b) Peripheral Nervous System

Answer 1

Parkinsons is a disorder of the Central Nervous System (it effects the brain)

Question 2

What is Parkinsons Disease?
(provide a very brief definition)

Answer 2

Parkinsons is a disorder of the central nervous system which causes issues with movement and motor function

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of Parkinsons Disease?

Answer 3

PARKINSONS DISEASE:
1. Increased production of proteins which turn into ‘Lewy Bodies’
2. Lewy Bodies interfere with production of dopamine (a neurotransmitter)
3. Levels of dopamine decrease
4. Lack of dopamine mean messages from brain to body are interfered/slowed
5. This impairs movement

Question 4

What are the common signs of Parkinsons Disease?

Answer 4

PARKINSONS DISEASE=
a) Tremor (at rest & movement)
b) Bradykinesia (slow movement)
c) Akinesia (absence of movement)
d) stooped posture
e) rigidity of joints

Question 5

What are 3 acute complications of Parkinsons Disease?
[Hint- 1 is to do with BP, 1 is to do with psychiatric symptoms, 1 is to do with a movement disorder]

Answer 5

Acute Complications of PARKINSONS DISEASE:
1. Orthostatic Hypotension
2. Psychotic Episodes
3, Dystonic Reactions

Question 6

When individuals with Parkinsons Disease cease Parkinson Medications, this can lead to P__ H__ S__. Which is the same condition as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (with same S/S), but occurs specifically in the setting of cessation of parkinson meds

Answer 6

When individuals with Parkinsons Disease cease Parkinson Medications, this can cause PARKINSONISM HYPERPYREXIA SYNDROME.
This is the same condition as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome so will also result in hyperthermia, rigidity, delirium, autonomic NS hyperactivity

Question 7

What is the degenerative neuro condition which causes progressive & irreversible damage to the- MOTOR NEURONS?

Answer 7

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) causes progressive & irreversible damage to the motor neurons

Question 8

Why/How does Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cause:
a) Muscular atrophy/weakness
b) Respiratory Failure

Answer 8

1. Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) causes progressive damage to the motor neurons
2. Motor neurons are have reduced capacity to send messages to the muscles
3. Disuse of muscles results in muscle weakness & atrophy
4. As it progresses, respiratory muscles also experience atrophy
5. This causes respiratory failure & will require intubation

Question 9

Which 2 types of motor neurons does Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) damage?

Answer 9

Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) damages:
1. UPPER motor neurons (brain TO spinal cord)
2. LOWER motor neurons (spinal cord TO muscles/glands)
[brain -> upper motor neuron -> spinal cord -> lower motor neuron -> muscles]

Question 10

What does Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cause damage to?

Answer 10

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) damages the MYELIN SHEATH
(myelin sheath= layer around nerves that allows electrical impulses to be transmitted quickly & efficiently)

Question 11

What is the pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
[Hint- start with the hypothesised cause of MS, then move to: ‘Damage to the M_ S_’]

Answer 11

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:
1. Mutation to HLA (human leukocyte antigen) causes auto-immune destruction of the Myelin Sheath
2. Damage to the Myelin Sheath occurs
3. Electrical impulses are slowed & unable to be transported efficiently
4. Messages to different parts of the body are inhibited

Question 12

Multiple Sclerosis causes damage to the Myelin Sheath. This impairs transmission of messages to different parts of the body. What signs/symptoms usually result from this?
[Hint- think of what happens if messages to the muscles/eyes/bladder/bowel are impaired]

Answer 12

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:
Messages inhibited to:
a) Muscles= tremor, weakness, loss of balance
b) Eyes= vision problems
c) Bladder/Bowel= incontinence

Question 13

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys the ___ in the ___-___ junction
[Hint- first word (r), second (n), third (m)]

Answer 13

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys the RECEPTORS in the NEURO- MUSCULAR junction

Question 14

Myasthenia Gravis causes destruction to the receptors in the neuro-muscular junction. What does this mean for nerve impulses?

Answer 14

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
= Destruction of receptors in the neuro-muscular junction
= Nerve impulses cant get from the nerves TO the muscles

Question 15

Myasthenia Gravis causes episodic ___ of the muscles. What can aggravate & relieve this symptom?
[hint- aggravating/relieving factor is very basic/simple- nothing tricky haha]

Answer 15

Myasthenia Gravis causes episodic WEAKNESS of the muscles
- Aggravated by ACTIVITY
- Relieved by REST

Question 16

What is commonly the first sign of Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 16

Myasthenia Gravis usually manifests with VISION IMPAIRMENTS secondary to eye muscle weakness

Question 17

Myasthenia Gravis can cause a Myasthenic Crisis. What occurs during a Myasthenic Crisis?
[Hint- to do with breathing]

Answer 17

MYASTHENIC GRAVIS:
Myasthenic Crisis= weakness of respiratory muscles & respiratory failure