Basal Ganglia Treatment

The basal ganglia are aspects of the brain that assist in the starting and controlling of movement. Any problem associated with the basal ganglia is called basal ganglia dysfunction. Given the incredibly diverse list of conditions that can cause basal ganglia dysfunction, treatment is relegated to treating the possible cause.

Causes

• The causes of basal ganglia dysfunction are myriad. Anything that can potentially cause damage to the brain can cause basal ganglia dysfunction. These include any form of head injury, strokes, tumors, infection, multiple sclerosis and a drug overdose, among others. Specific brain conditions that can cause basal ganglia dysfunction include Huntington's, Parkinson's and Wilson's disease, system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Symptoms

• In addition to those associated with the underlying condition, symptoms of basal ganglia dysfunction typically involve an inability or difficulty in starting or stopping movement. Other symptoms can include loss of memory, involuntary movements, tremors, difficulty finding words and muscle spasms, among others. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on the severity of the underlying condition and on the amount of damage done to the basal ganglia.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis of basal ganglia dysfunction is contingent on the diagnosis of the underlying condition. To diagnose the condition, your doctor will perform a complete neurological and physical work-up, often accompanied with a scan of the brain.

  Given that basal ganglia dysfunction is a symptom or side effect of an underlying condition, treatment is dependent on what might be causing it. As such, there are treatments designed specifically for the repair of damaged basal ganglia. If you experience symptoms of basal ganglia dysfunction, consult a doctor immediately. Upon diagnosis, he will recommend a course of treatment that should, in theory, help to treat the symptoms associated with basal ganglia dysfunction. Some symptoms, however, can be the result of a very serious condition, and therefore may require treatment for the remainder of your life.