Neurology

• How does Parkinson's disease affect movement?

  It causes tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and instability
• Why do people with Parkinson's disease experience difficulty speaking?

  Excessive salivation causes difficulty speaking
• What are the systemic symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

  • Tremor and Slowness
  • Impaired balance
  • Small handwriting
  • Sleep problems
  • Trouble Moving or Walking
  • Masked Face
• At what age is Parkinson's disease mostly diagnosed?

  After 60
• What are the lung symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

  • Upper airway obstruction
  • Abnormalities of ventilatory control
• What are the skin symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

  • Increased sweating
• What systemic symptoms are commonly seen in Parkinson's Disease?

  Tremor, slowness, balance problems, masked face
• What types of toxins may contribute to Parkinson's disease?

  Pesticides and heavy metals
• What intestinal symptom is commonly seen in Parkinson's Disease?

  Constipation
• What central symptoms are associated with Parkinson's Disease?

  Depression, anxiety, cognitive decline
• What are the main risk factors associated with Parkinson's disease?

  • Age: Mostly diagnosed after 60
  • Family History: Close relative increases risk
  • Toxins: Exposure to pesticides or heavy metals
  • Genetics: Some genes associated with increased probability
• What characterizes Stage 1 of Parkinson's disease?

  Mild symptoms on one side, like tremor
• What is a speech change symptom in Parkinson's disease?

  Speaking softly or difficulty articulating
• What are the types of motor symptoms mentioned?

  • Tremor
  • Rigidity
  • Bradykinesia
  • Impaired Balance
• What does a tremor in Parkinson's typically affect?

  Hands, feet, or chin
• What are the symptoms in Stage 2 of Parkinson's disease?

  Mild symptoms on both sides, affecting balance
• What does Stage 3 of Parkinson's disease involve?

  Moderate symptoms needing some assistance
• What is the condition of a patient in Stage 4 of Parkinson's disease?

  Significant disability, needing help with daily activities
• What is required for a patient in Stage 5 of Parkinson's disease?

  Constant care and unable to stand or walk
• How does age at diagnosis affect Parkinson's disease progression?

  Earlier onset often leads to faster progression
• What treatments might be considered if motor symptoms are minimal?

  Dopamine agonists or MAO-B inhibitors
• Who should you see for diagnosing Parkinson's disease?

  A neurologist or movement disorder specialist
• When is levodopa typically prescribed as a first choice?

  When motor symptoms greatly affect quality of life
• How do non-ergot dopamine agonists work?

  They stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain
• What is the overall comparison of non-ergot dopamine agonists to levodopa?

  Less potent but potentially safer option
• What are the initial medications recommended for Parkinson's disease?

  • Levodopa for motor symptoms affecting daily life
  • Dopamine agonists for minimal motor symptoms
  • MAO-B inhibitors for minimal motor symptoms
• What are the disadvantages of non-ergot dopamine agonists?

  • Less effective than levodopa
  • May cause drowsiness or sleepiness
• What is the first choice treatment if motor symptoms greatly impact quality of life?

  Levodopa
• How do MAO-B inhibitors differ from levodopa?

  MAO-B inhibitors preserve existing dopamine levels
• What is a benefit of using MAO-B inhibitors compared to levodopa?

  They reduce the risk of late-stage movement disorders
• What are some common side effects of levodopa?

  Nausea, discoloration of sweat or urine
• What are the advantages of non-ergot dopamine agonists?

  • Fewer movement disorders than levodopa
  • Improve motor symptoms with less early nausea
• What is the overall benefit of levodopa despite its side effects?

  Strong motor symptom relief
• What is the motor improvement level provided by MAO-B Inhibitors?

  Low
• When are MAO-B inhibitors recommended for use?

  For mild motor symptoms with minimal side effects
• How do MAO-B inhibitors affect dopamine levels?

  They prevent dopamine breakdown, increasing availability
• What side effects are associated with MAO-B Inhibitors?

  Low
• How effective are dopamine agonists at improving motor symptoms compared to levodopa?

  Moderate improvement compared to high for levodopa
• How does levodopa work in the brain?

  It converts into dopamine