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Basal ganglia dysfunction
Extrapyramidal syndrome; Antipsychotics - extrapyramidal
Basal ganglia dysfunction is a problem with the deep brain structures that help start and control movement.
Causes
Conditions that cause injury to the brain can damage the basal ganglia. Such conditions include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Drug overdose
- Head injury
- Infection
- Liver disease
-
Metabolic
problems
Metabolic
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
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Multiple sclerosis
(MS)
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Poisoning with copper, manganese, or other heavy metals
- Stroke
- Tumors
A common cause of these findings is chronic use of medicines used to treat schizophrenia.
Many brain disorders are associated with basal ganglia dysfunction. They include:
-
Dystonia
(muscle tone problems)
Dystonia
Uncontrolled or slow movement is a problem with muscle tone, usually in the large muscle groups. The problem leads to slow, uncontrollable jerky mov...
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Huntington disease
(disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate)
Huntington disease
Huntington disease is a disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. The disease is passed down through fa...
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Multiple system atrophy
(widespread nervous system disorder)
Multiple system atrophy
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. However, people with MSA have more widespread d...
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Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease causes certain brain cells to die. These are the cells that help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking ...
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Progressive supranuclear palsy
(movement disorder from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain)
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.
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Wilson disease
(disorder causing too much copper in the body's tissues)
Wilson disease
Wilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...
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Symptoms
Damage to the basal ganglia cells may cause problems controlling speech, movement, and posture. This combination of symptoms is called parkinsonism.
A person with basal ganglia dysfunction may have difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, there may also be problems with memory and other thought processes.
In general, symptoms vary and may include:
- Movement changes, such as involuntary or slowed movements
- Increased muscle tone
- Muscle spasms and muscle rigidity
- Problems finding words
- Tremor
- Uncontrollable, repeated movements, speech, or cries (tics)
- Walking difficulty
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms and medical history.
Blood and imaging tests may be needed. These may include:
- CT and MRI of the head
- Genetic testing
- Magnetic resonance angiography to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain
- Positron emission tomography (PET) to look at the metabolism of the brain
- Blood tests to check blood sugar, thyroid function, liver function, and iron and copper levels
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the cause of the dysfunction. Some causes are reversible, while others require lifelong treatment.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have any abnormal or involuntary movements, falls without known reason, or if you or others notice that you are shaky or slow.
References
Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 96.
Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 410.
Melnick ME. Basal ganglia disorders. In: Umphred DA, Burton GU, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, eds. Umphred's Neurological Renabilitation . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 20.
Review Date: 5/30/2016
Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
