Arthritis and Neurological Disorders
1.Describe the diagnostic criteria of osteoarthritis versus rheumatoid arthritis
2.Discuss types of headaches and their treatment
3.Discuss types of seizures and treatment
4.Discuss Parkinson’s disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Arthritis and Neurological Disorders
Diagnostic Criteria and Neurological Conditions
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage wear and tear. It mainly affects weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. Symptoms include joint pain worsened by activity and stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes. Physical signs include bony enlargements and joint crepitus. X-rays show joint space narrowing and osteophytes. Lab tests are usually normal with no inflammatory markers.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic joint inflammation. It typically affects small joints symmetrically, especially in hands and wrists. Patients experience prolonged morning stiffness lasting over an hour and systemic symptoms like fatigue. Physical exam reveals swelling and joint deformities. X-rays show erosions and osteopenia. Blood tests often show positive rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies with elevated ESR and CRP.
Headaches vary widely in cause and treatment. Tension headaches present as bilateral, pressing pain and respond well to NSAIDs and stress management. Migraines are unilateral and pulsating, often with nausea; treated with triptans and preventive medications. Cluster headaches cause severe one-sided pain with autonomic signs, managed with oxygen and verapamil. Sinus headaches accompany sinus congestion and require treating the infection. Secondary headaches result from other illnesses and need targeted treatment.
Seizures can be focal or generalized. Focal seizures affect one brain area, sometimes with preserved awareness. Generalized seizures involve both hemispheres and include tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, and atonic types. Treatment depends on seizure type. Focal seizures respond to carbamazepine or levetiracetam. Generalized seizures are treated with valproate or levetiracetam. Status epilepticus requires urgent benzodiazepines and antiepileptics.
Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Parkinson’s disease results from dopamine neuron loss in the brain’s substantia nigra. The cause is usually unknown but can be genetic or toxin-related. Motor symptoms include resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and balance problems. Non-motor symptoms include depression, constipation, and cognitive decline.
Treatment focuses on restoring dopamine. Levodopa combined with carbidopa is the primary therapy. Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors are also used. Physical therapy helps improve mobility. In severe cases, deep brain stimulation surgery may be performed………….
