Parkinson's Disease 5

Question 1

Which staging system is commonly used to assess the severity and progression of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Hoehn and Yahr Scale

Answer

The Hoehn and Yahr Scale rates Parkinson's disease severity from Stage 1 (unilateral symptoms) to Stage 5 (wheelchair-bound or bedridden).

Question 2

At Hoehn and Yahr Stage 3 of Parkinson's disease, what is the defining characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral symptoms with mild postural instability but independent living

Answer

Stage 3 is marked by bilateral motor involvement and postural instability, but the patient can still live independently.

Question 3

What distinguishes idiopathic Parkinson's disease from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a related parkinsonian syndrome?

Accepted Answer

MSA involves more prominent autonomic failure and poor response to levodopa

Answer

MSA is distinguished from PD by prominent autonomic dysfunction (e.g., severe orthostatic hypotension) and a poor or unsustained response to levodopa therapy.

Question 4

Which autonomic dysfunction is commonly experienced by people with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Constipation and orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Constipation and orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop upon standing) are among the most common autonomic dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease.

Question 5

What is the term for the phenomenon where Parkinson's patients suddenly cannot move, as if their feet are 'glued' to the floor?

Accepted Answer

Freezing of gait

Answer

Freezing of gait is an episodic inability to initiate or continue walking, where the feet feel stuck to the floor despite an intention to move.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Disease 5