Parkinson's Parkinson's Symptoms and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

Bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Slowness of movement

Answer

Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is one of the most disabling features of Parkinson's disease.

Question 2

Which type of rigidity is classically associated with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cogwheel rigidity

Answer

Cogwheel rigidity, a ratchet-like resistance felt during passive movement, is the classic form seen in Parkinson's disease.

Question 3

What imaging technique is considered the gold standard for confirming dopaminergic deficit in suspected Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

DaTscan (SPECT imaging)

Answer

DaTscan uses SPECT imaging to visualize dopamine transporter activity and can confirm presynaptic dopaminergic deficit in Parkinson's disease.

Question 4

The Hoehn and Yahr scale is used to assess:

Accepted Answer

Disease severity and progression

Answer

The Hoehn and Yahr scale is a widely used system for describing how Parkinson's symptoms progress in stages from I to V.

Question 5

Anosmia (loss of smell) in Parkinson's disease is significant because:

Accepted Answer

It often precedes motor symptoms by years

Answer

Loss of smell is a well-documented prodromal feature of Parkinson's disease that can precede motor symptoms by a decade or more.

Parkinson's Practice Test