Weekly Case Study - Case 7

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Judge Jerry consults a neurologist because his handwriting begins to deteriorate. Stress and exercise makes this condition worse; alcohol makes this tremor less severe. He also notes a side-to-side head shaking. He has no difficulty walking and has no cognitive impairment. His mother had been diagnosed as having "Parkinsonism" five years ago. He had used Haldol for 6 months one year ago to help him sleep, but has stopped this medication with no change in shaking.

Exam - MS - mini -mental status score is 28 of 30.
            gait - normal base and station
                     nl postural stability
            motor - no drift
                     nl RAM & RSM, normal tone
            reflexes - symmetrical; plantar flexor response
            sensory - diminished VS at toes
            CN - nl eye movements, nl gag & palate; negative glabellar tap

Sample of PATIENT handwriting:
Drawing of PATIENT spiral
Drawing of DR. WEISBERG'S Arichimedes spiral
  1. What is the diagnosis?

  2. What medications may treat this?

  3. What medication should be avoided?

  4. What diagnostic tests are necessary to establish the diagnosis?

  5. What are clinical criteria to establish diagnosis of Parkinsonism?

  6. Outline treatment strategy for Parkinsonism.

  7. What is the most common cause of Parkinsonism?

  8. Delineate the clinical features of Huntington disease.

  9. Define:
    dyskinesias
    dystonia
    asterixis
    chorea
    tremor
    myoclonus
    fasciculations

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Nothing with this case - Revised 6/21/2005