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What is Parkinson's Disease?

A chronic, progressive neurological disorder affecting the extrapyramidal motor tract, linked to aging and neuron loss, typically affecting individuals aged 50-70.

What causes Parkinson's Disease?

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leading to dopamine deficiency.

What is the pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease?

An imbalance between dopamine (inhibitory) and acetylcholine (excitatory) due to degeneration of DA neurons, leading to unopposed ACh excitation.

What are the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and involuntary tremors.

What are some other symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Stooped posture, masked face, rigidity, flexed elbows/wrists, shuffling gait, reduced arm swing, and postural instability.

What is the goal of anti-Parkinsonian agents?

To reduce symptoms and/or replace the dopamine deficit.

What is Levodopa (L-dopa) used for?

It is the most effective drug for diminishing Parkinson's Disease symptoms and increasing mobility.

What are the side effects of Levodopa?

Nausea, vomiting, dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, and psychosis.

How does Carbidopa enhance the effect of Levodopa?

It inhibits dopa decarboxylase, allowing more levodopa to reach the striatum.

What are dopamine agonists and give an example?

Drugs that stimulate dopamine receptors directly; for example, Amantadine hydrochloride.

What is the function of MAO-B inhibitors in Parkinson's treatment?

They increase dopamine availability in the brain and prolong the action of levodopa.

What is the role of anticholinergics in Parkinson's Disease?

They reduce rigidity and tremors but have minimal effect on bradykinesia.

What are COMT inhibitors used for?

They increase levodopa concentration in the brain.

What should be avoided when taking Levodopa?

Vitamin B6 and protein-rich foods.

What are some key considerations when administering Amantadine?

Report finger swelling and do not discontinue abruptly.

What are the side effects of Selegiline when used with levodopa?

Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, hallucinations, depression, and ataxia.

What is the indication for Donepezil?

It is used for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

What are the side effects of Pyridostigmine?

Bradycardia, cardiac dysrhythmia, COPD, hypotension, and seizures.

What is Azathioprine used for?

It is used for myasthenia gravis poorly controlled with AChE inhibitors.

What is the significance of Glatiramer acetate?

It is used for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and can cause chest pain and dyspnea.

What is Glatiramer acetate used for?

It is used for treating Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), and Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS).

What are common side effects of Teriflunomide?

Alopecia, back pain, cystitis, elevated hepatic enzyme, hyperreflexia, lymphopenia, myasthenia.

What conditions is Mitoxantrone indicated for?

Chronic SPMS, Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS), and worsening RRMS.

What serious side effects are associated with Dimethyl fumarate?

Leukopenia, nausea, erythema, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, angioedema.

What is the primary use of Alemtuzumab?

It is used for relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

What are the potential side effects of Natalizumab?

Anaphylactic shock, depression, diarrhea, GI obstruction, elevated hepatic enzyme.

What is the mechanism of action of Ocrelizumab?

It targets and destroys certain immune cells in RRMS, CIS, and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS).

What is the main indication for Cyclobenzaprine?

It is indicated for muscle spasm relief.

What are common side effects of Methocarbamol?

Skin rash and urine discoloration.

What is the primary use of Dantrolene?

It is used for pain, stiffness, and spasm relief.

What are the side effects of Diazepam?

Sedation, memory impairment, urinary incontinence, and retention.

What condition does Baclofen treat?

It treats muscle spasms caused by MS and spinal cord injury.

What is the mechanism of action of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Myasthenia Gravis?

They prevent the destruction of acetylcholine, promoting neuromuscular impulse transmission.

What are the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Muscle weakness, eyelid droopiness, double vision, impaired speech, difficulty swallowing, and trouble breathing.

What is the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease?

Degeneration of cholinergic neurons, dysregulation of glutamate, amyloid-β plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles.

What is the role of NMDA Receptor Antagonists in Alzheimer's treatment?

They block excessive NMDA receptor activation to prevent excitotoxicity, protecting neurons.

What is the mechanism of action of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies?

They bind to amyloid-β plaques and promote their clearance to slow disease progression.

What are the clinical courses of Multiple Sclerosis?

RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting MS), CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome), and SPMS (Secondary Progressive MS).

What are the side effects of Succinylcholine?

Angioedema, apnea, arrhythmia, asystole, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiac arrest.

What is the primary use of Pancuronium Bromide?

It is used for maintenance of neuromuscular blockade and paralysis in surgery.