Treatment Protocols & Therapeutic Interventions Flashcards

Carbidopa is combined with levodopa in Parkinson disease to:

Answer: Block peripheral conversion of levodopa, reducing nausea and raising CNS delivery

Carbidopa is a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Which medication should be avoided in a hospitalized Parkinson patient with nausea or agitation?

Answer: Haloperidol

Haloperidol is a strong central D2 blocker that can sharply worsen parkinsonism.

Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease most commonly targets which structure?

Answer: Subthalamic nucleus

The subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus are the main DBS targets for Parkinson motor symptoms.

Which acute treatment is first-line for an adult with active cluster headache?

Answer: 100% oxygen at 12–15 L/min by non-rebreather mask

High-flow oxygen and subcutaneous sumatriptan are first-line abortive treatments for cluster attacks.

Which preventive drug is first-line for episodic cluster headache?

Answer: Verapamil

Verapamil is the main preventive for cluster headache, and an ECG is needed because it can cause heart block.

Triptans are contraindicated in a migraine patient with:

Answer: Known coronary artery disease

Triptans narrow blood vessels via 5-HT1B receptors, so they are contraindicated in ischemic heart disease, stroke, and uncontrolled hypertension.

Edaravone and riluzole are disease-modifying treatments approved for:

Answer: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Riluzole (an antiglutamate drug) and edaravone (a free-radical scavenger) modestly slow ALS progression.