Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and tremor disorders with their pathophysiology and distinguishing features tested on USMLE Step 1.
34 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What brain structure degenerates in Parkinson disease?
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The substantia nigra pars compacta (dopaminergic neurons)- What are the four cardinal (TRAP) features of Parkinson disease?
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Tremor (resting), Rigidity, Akinesia/bradykinesia, Postural instability- Describe the classic tremor of Parkinson disease.
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A 4-6 Hz resting tremor, often described as pill-rolling, that improves with voluntary movement- What type of rigidity is classically seen in Parkinson disease?
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Cogwheel rigidity- What is bradykinesia?
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Slowness of voluntary movement initiation and execution- What protein aggregates form Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease?
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Alpha-synuclein- Describe the typical gait of a patient with Parkinson disease.
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A shuffling, festinating gait with stooped posture and reduced arm swing- What term describes the reduced facial expression seen in Parkinson disease?
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Masked facies (hypomimia)- What handwriting change is characteristic of Parkinson disease?
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Micrographia, progressively smaller handwriting- What is the most effective first-line pharmacotherapy for Parkinson disease symptoms?
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Levodopa combined with carbidopa- Why is carbidopa given together with levodopa?
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It inhibits peripheral DOPA decarboxylase, reducing peripheral dopamine conversion and side effects while increasing levodopa delivery to the brain- What neurotoxin is used to model Parkinson disease and how does it cause damage?
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MPTP, which is converted by MAO-B into MPP+, a toxin that destroys dopaminergic neurons- Name two dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson disease.
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Pramipexole and ropinirole- Name a MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson disease treatment.
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Selegiline- What is the mechanism of amantadine in Parkinson disease?
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It increases dopamine release and blocks NMDA glutamate receptors
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