Epilepsy and Its Treatments

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Questions and Answers

What contributes to motor dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease?

Excess acetylcholine activity due to decreased dopamine (correct)

Overproduction of serotonin

Increased dopamine levels

Decreased acetylcholine levels leading to dopamine surplus

Which of the following is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's Disease?

Formation of structures resembling neurogenesis

Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques (correct)

Decreased levels of insulin in the brain

Improved synaptic function in the cortex

How do neurofibrillary tangles contribute to Alzheimer's Disease?

Disrupting transport systems within neurons (correct)

Forming connections between neurons

Stimulating neuronal regeneration

Enhancing synaptic transmission

What characterizes the primary mechanism of neuron degeneration in ALS?

Progressive degeneration of motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

How does excitotoxicity lead to neuron death in ALS?

By causing calcium overload due to excessive glutamate activity Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the sensation of spinning or dizziness in vertigo?

Disturbances in the vestibular system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of cancer?

Inappropriate and uncontrolled proliferation of host cells Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method is curative for localized, non-metastasized tumors?

Surgery Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows cancer cells to become less susceptible to chemotherapy drugs?

Drug efflux pumps Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily targeted by chemotherapy drugs that interrupt DNA synthesis?

S phase Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of local anesthetics like lidocaine and bupivacaine?

They are part of the amide group. Signup and view all the answers

Why are cells in the G1 phase more susceptible to chemotherapy drugs?

They are synthesizing RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do vasoconstrictors like adrenaline have when added to local anesthetics?

They prolong the duration of action. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key effect achieved by general anesthesia?

Loss of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an undesirable property of an anesthetic?

High systemic toxicity Signup and view all the answers

In what order does sensation typically return after local anesthesia wears off?

Pain, temperature, touch, motor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of positive reinforcement in the context of addiction?

It leads to pleasurable effects encouraging repeated use. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a person develops tolerance to a drug?

They need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Signup and view all the answers

What are withdrawal symptoms primarily caused by?

The body's attempt to restore balance after drug use stops. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of alcohol withdrawal?

Enhanced concentration Signup and view all the answers

What neurobiological changes occur with addiction?

Alterations in brain pathways leading to compulsive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How many criteria from the DSM-5 must be met for a diagnosis of substance use disorder?

At least two Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates addiction from risky use?

Addiction demonstrates compulsive behavior and loss of control. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the risk of developing addiction?

Color of the drug Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary approach to managing Type 2 diabetes?

Lifestyle changes and medications Signup and view all the answers

How does Metformin primarily function in the management of Type 2 diabetes?

Decreases glucose production by the liver Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects is commonly associated with Metformin?

Nausea and diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

When should Metformin be avoided?

When using contrast dyes or in severe renal impairment Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of sulphonylureas like Gliclazide?

Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin Signup and view all the answers

What complication is a risk for Type 1 diabetics if insulin administration does not match carbohydrate intake?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

Which form of diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children and what is its primary cause?

Type 1 diabetes due to autoimmune β-cell destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary complications of unmanaged diabetes?

Long-term damage to blood vessels, heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes Signup and view all the answers

What does the biopsychosocial model of addiction emphasize?

An interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for addiction?

Age of first drug use Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of alcohol combined with opioids?

Increased risk of misuse and overdose Signup and view all the answers

Why are performance-enhancing drugs considered unethical in sports?

They provide unfair advantages not based on skill Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes substances not approved for human use?

S0: Non-approved substances Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction risk is associated with marijuana use?

Increased bleeding risk with warfarin Signup and view all the answers

What’s a primary reason athletes might choose to use performance-enhancing drugs?

To win in competition due to pressures Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of alcohol developing tolerance?

Increased requirement for pain relief Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Registered CAM products in Australia?

They require full evaluation, including efficacy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of TGA regulation for CAM products?

Some homeopathic products are not covered. Signup and view all the answers

What serious risk is associated with using St John's Wort?

It can lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for CAM users to inform their healthcare providers about their usage?

To avoid interactions with prescription drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)?

A noxious response to a drug occurring at normal doses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding the use of CAM for serious medical conditions like cancer?

It can delay conventional therapies and harm patients. Signup and view all the answers

What must CAM products adhere to for their labeling and advertising?

They must meet Good Manufacturing Process standards. Signup and view all the answers

What can cause herbal toxicity associated with CAM?

Contaminants or undeclared toxic ingredients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is recurrent episodes of abnormal excessive depolarization of cerebral neurons.
Potential causes include neurological disease, brain damage, heredity, metabolic disorders, sudden alcohol withdrawal, and intoxication with local anesthetics.
Major categories of epileptic seizures are partial (simple and complex) and generalized (absence and tonic-clonic).
Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition involving prolonged, uncontrollable seizures.
EEG (electroencephalogram) records brain electrical activity to diagnose and localize seizure activity.

Epilepsy Treatment Medications

Phenytoin blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels, preventing repetitive neuronal discharges. Common side effects include anemia, cognitive impairment, developmental abnormalities in fetuses, and increased risk of heart disease.
Carbamazepine, similar to phenytoin, blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels. Side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, and risk of spina bifida in fetuses or pregnancy.
Vigabatrin inhibits GABA transaminase, increasing GABA levels for seizure control. Side effect is sedation.
Other medications include Tiagabine, which inhibits GABA reuptake, and Valproate, which weakly inhibits GABA transaminase and affects sodium channels.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
Dopamine precursor, Levodopa, crosses the blood-brain barrier and converts to dopamine to restore dopaminergic activity.
Side effects of Levodopa include nausea, anxiety, confusion, hypotension, and involuntary movements.

Alzheimer's Disease

Pathological hallmarks include amyloid plaques, tau protein tangles, synaptic and neuronal loss.
Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors like donepezil reduce acetylcholine breakdown to mitigate memory loss.
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces neuronal excitotoxicity.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

Riluzole inhibits glutamate neurotransmission, extending survival.

Vertigo

Symptoms include sensation of spinning or dizziness and are treated with medications like prochlorperazine and betahistine.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of epilepsy, including causes, types of seizures, and the life-threatening status epilepticus. It also addresses treatment medications like phenytoin and carbamazepine, highlighting their mechanisms and side effects.