Parkinson's Disease Overview

Study Notes

Parkinson's Disease

Slowly progressing neurological movement disorder
Caused by decreased dopamine levels due to the destruction of cells in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia
Manifestations: Tremor (at rest), rigidity (resistance to movement), bradykinesia (slowed movement, shuffling gait, mask-like face), postural instability (forward flexion), depression, dementia, autonomic symptoms, sleep disturbances, and micrographia (small handwriting)
Medical Management: Treatment focuses on symptom control and function management
Antiparkinsonian Agents: Sinemet (levodopa, carbidopa) prevents dopamine breakdown; long-term use can cause dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
Interventions: Enhance swallowing (e.g., proper food positioning), encourage assistive devices to prevent falls, improve communication (due to slowed speech and jaw rigidity), support coping abilities, improve mobility (gentle ROM, rest breaks), enhance self-care, improve bowel elimination, and improve nutrition (monitor intake, soft foods)

Huntington's Disease

Chronic, progressive, hereditary disease
Autosomal dominant trait (50% risk of inheritance)
Characterized by progressive involuntary movements (chorea) and dementia
Clinical Signs & Symptoms: Abnormal involuntary movements (chorea), intellectual decline, emotional disturbances, constant writhing/twisting movements, speech/visual impairment, and voluntary movement impairment
Early Symptoms: Mood swings, depression, irritability, trouble with driving, learning, memory, and decision-making
Late Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, feeding/swallowing problems, uncontrolled movements
Home Teaching: Focus on high-calorie, high-protein diet (soft or pureed), passive ROM exercise, and home safety (no door alarms)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease
Onset typically in the 50s-60s
Loss of nerve cells controlling muscles leads to progressive weakness and atrophy (primarily in extremities and trunk)
Swallowing and respiratory function are impaired (risk of aspiration)
Chief Symptoms: Fatigue, progressive muscle weakness, cramps, fasciculations (twitching), incoordination, and eventually, compromised respiratory function

Seizures

Episodes of abnormal neural activity
Classifications: Generalized seizures (bilaterally distributed), focal seizures (one hemisphere origin)
Specific Causes: Cerebrovascular disease, hypoxemia, fever (especially in children), head injury, hypertension, infections, metabolic/toxic conditions, brain tumors, drug/alcohol withdrawal, allergies
Generalized Seizures: Intense body rigidity, followed by alternating muscle relaxation and contraction
Focal Seizures: Possible impairment of consciousness/awareness
Interventions: Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., valproic acid, benzodiazepines)
Status Epilepticus: Continuous seizures without full recovery between attacks (medical emergency)

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves' myelin
Often follows a viral infection
Manifestations: Weakness, paralysis, paresthesias (numbness/tingling), pain, diminished/absent reflexes (initially in lower extremities) and tachycardia, hypertension
Medical Management: Intensive care, continuous monitoring, respiratory support, plasmapheresis, and IVIG to reduce antibodies; recovery rates vary but most people recover completely.

Description

Test your knowledge on Parkinson's Disease, a slowly progressing neurological movement disorder characterized by decreased dopamine levels. Explore its manifestations, medical management, and interventions to improve quality of life for patients. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of this condition and its treatment.