Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What condition presents as Parkinson's-like symptoms but includes ataxia?

  1. Cerebellar degeneration

  2. Multi-system atrophy

  3. Huntington's disease

  4. Multiple sclerosis

The correct answer is: Multi-system atrophy

Multi-system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms from different movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, and it often presents with additional features such as ataxia. This condition results from the degeneration of nerve cells in multiple systems of the brain, particularly those responsible for motor control and coordination. Patients with multi-system atrophy may experience bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors, similar to Parkinson's disease, along with ataxia due to damage in the cerebellar pathways. Ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which can contribute to balance problems and gait disturbances, setting it apart from pure Parkinson's disease. Cerebellar degeneration primarily affects coordination and balance, but does not typically present with the classic Parkinsonian symptoms. Huntington's disease is characterized by chorea and psychiatric symptoms, with a distinct genetic basis, while multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including some that overlap with ataxia, but it does not primarily manifest as a Parkinson's-like condition.