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Basal ganglia dysfunction

Definition

Basal ganglia dysfunction is a problem with the basal ganglia, the deep brain structures that help start and control movement.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

When the basal ganglia cells are damaged, there may be problems with the ability to control speech and movement. Difficulties with starting movement, sustaining movement and stopping movement are all possible when this area of the brain is injured.

Conditions that cause injury to the brain can potentially damage the basal ganglia. Such conditions include strokes, metabolic abnormalities, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, infections, tumors, drug overdoses or side effects, and head trauma.

Numerous brain disorders can be associated basal ganglia dysfunction, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, Wilson's disease, and dystonia.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary and may include tremor, slowing of movements, difficulty walking, rigidity, involuntary movements, muscle spasms, increased muscle tone, and tics (uncontrollable, repeated movements, speech, or cries).

Signs and tests

A thorough neurological assessment should be performed. Depending on the outcome of this evaluation, blood tests and possibly imaging studies of the brain may be required.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the cause of the dysfunction. Some causes are reversible, while others require lifelong treatment.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have any abnormal or involuntary movements.

Review Date:8/26/2006
Reviewed By:Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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