Upcoming Grand Rounds

Questions about Grand Rounds? Please contact Monica Lee

Location: Clara Christie Centre (HSC)
Session: 09:00–10:00
Zoom: https://albertahealthservices.zoom.us/j/63990883860?pwd=NL07Vw6b8IuCpls7okrNL9OhIHmBYJ.1
Meeting ID: 639 9088 3860
Passcode: 154028

Speaker: Dr. Tristan Holotnak CCFP-EM PGY-3 

Title: Parkinson’s Disease Emergencies: Assessment and Management
This presentation will provide a broad overview of Parkinson’s Disease and what can be expected when these patients present to the Emergency Department. At the end of this presentation you will be more familiar with initiating management for both common and more rare complications of this disorder and have a greater understanding of the PD resources available in the Calgary zone.

Key Teaching Points:

• Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Patients experience a broad spectrum of movement, autonomic, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• Levodopa is the mainstay of medical therapy for PD. It is important that ED physicians recognize the importance of medication timing for this and other PD medications as well as key medications to avoid.
• Common complications of PD leading to ED visits include falls, dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and psychosis. Familiarity with the sequelae and local referral options for these conditions to enhance long term outcomes.
• Rare presentations of PD complications such as Akinetic Crisis benefit from early neurology and ICU consult.
• Local PD patients who have DBS devices implanted or who use Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal gel pumps should all have Exceptional Care Plans in Connect Care. Suspected device issues should prompt consultation with the relevant Movement Disorder Clinic RN or Neurologist on call.

Suggestions for Future Rounds: please take a moment to submit suggested topics and/or presenters for future grand rounds.

DEM Academic Grand Rounds Evaluation Google Form