Basal ganglia dysfunction
Extrapyramidal syndrome; Antipsychotics - extrapyramidalBasal 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
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- 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:
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 (MRA) 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.
Okun MS, Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.
Vestal E, Rusher A, Ikeda K, Melnick M. Disorders of the basal nuclei. In: Lazaro RT, Reina-Guerra SG, Quiben MU, eds. Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
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