Parkinson's Parkinson's Surgery and Advanced Therapies 2

Question 1

Carbidopa/levodopa intestinal gel (LCIG, brand name Duopa) is administered via which route?

Accepted Answer

Intrajejunal infusion through a PEG-J tube

Answer

LCIG (Duopa) is continuously infused directly into the jejunum via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) tube, bypassing the stomach for more stable absorption.

Question 2

Apomorphine, used as an advanced therapy for Parkinson's disease, is classified as which type of drug?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonist

Answer

Apomorphine is a potent, fast-acting dopamine agonist that can be given as a subcutaneous injection (rescue pen) or continuous infusion to manage motor fluctuations.

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of continuous infusion therapies (LCIG or apomorphine infusion) over standard oral medications in advanced Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

They reduce motor fluctuations by maintaining stable drug levels

Answer

Continuous infusion maintains more stable plasma drug concentrations, which reduces the on-off motor fluctuations and dyskinesias caused by the peaks and troughs of oral dosing.

Question 4

In a DBS system, the implanted pulse generator (IPG) serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Generate and deliver programmed electrical pulses to the brain electrodes

Answer

The IPG, often called the neurostimulator or brain pacemaker, generates electrical pulses that travel through extension wires to the electrodes implanted in the target brain structure.

Question 5

A surgical procedure that permanently destroys a small area of the globus pallidus internus to reduce Parkinson's motor symptoms, especially dyskinesias, is called:

Accepted Answer

Pallidotomy

Answer

Pallidotomy is a lesioning procedure that creates a permanent thermal lesion in the globus pallidus internus, reducing dyskinesias and improving motor control in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Parkinson's Surgery and Advanced Therapies 2