Movement Disorders Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts and treatment options related to various movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, chorea, myoclonus, dystonia, and ataxia.

What are the first steps in diagnosing movement disorders (MD)?

1. Identify if the MD is hypo/hyperkinetic. 2. Determine the category of the MD: PD, apraxia, HD, TS, ataxia, myoclonus, dystonia. 3. Describe the symptoms. 4. Describe the possible causes (neuropathology). 5. Describe the course of action (treatment).

What are the key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

1. Tremor at rest (4-6 Hz) 2. Bradykinesia (slowness of voluntary movement) 3. Rigidity (increased muscle tone) 4. Loss of postural reflexes (balance issues) 5. Flexed postures 6. Freezing during walking.

What is a major neuropathological feature of Parkinson's disease?

Issues with dopaminergic systems within the basal ganglia and loss of dopaminergic neurons.

Which medications are the most effective for treating bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease?

Dopamine replacement therapy such as Levodopa (L-dopa) and dopamine agonists.

What are the treatment options for hyperkinetic chorea?

Treatment is aimed at reducing dysfunctions as nothing slows or treats it; theoretical options include RNA interference, AMT-130, and CRISPR.

What is myoclonus, and what are its types?

Hyperkinetic involuntary jerking movements. Types include positive myoclonus, negative myoclonus (asterixis), reflex myoclonus, and action myoclonus.

What are the key symptoms of dystonia?

Abnormal postures, grimacing, vocalization that is not speech, non-coordinated movements, and twisting.

What are the classifications of dystonia?

Focal (single body part), segmental (one or more continuous body parts), multifocal (two or more non-continuous body parts), hemidystonia (half the body), and generalized (entire body).

What is ataxia and its primary symptoms?

Ataxia is characterized by balance instability, impaired coordination and stability of muscles, tremors, and abnormal limb control.

What are potential reversible causes of ataxia?

Vitamin deficiency, toxins, autoimmune conditions, infections, stroke or hydrocephalus, and tumors.