Problems with the Basal Ganglia

Basal ganglia are structures deep within the brain that start and control movement in the body. Damage to the basal ganglia, called basil ganglia dysfunction, may cause such symptoms as difficulty with speech, posture, thinking and movement.

Causes

• An injury to the brain can cause damage to the basal ganglia cells. Basal ganglia problems can also occur because of infection in the brain, stroke, head trauma, tumors, and as side effects of certain drugs and drug overdose. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Wilson's disease, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease can all contribute to basal ganglia problems.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of basal ganglia problems include tremors or jerk-like movements in the hands, head, arms and legs. Other symptoms include speech impairment, memory loss, difficulty walking, a slowing of movement, muscle spasms, difficulty standing up straight and uncontrolled repetitive movements. The affected person may also experience emotional and personality changes. A person with basal ganglia dysfunction may have all or only a few of the symptoms, depending on which cells have been damaged.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will perform a physical exam and check your body movements. A neurological exam may be performed, which includes checking the head and neck for any masses or abnormalities. A motor exam tests movement capability and the strength of your shoulders, arms, hips and legs. Reflexes will be tested over various parts of your body, and a sensory test will be performed to check your reaction to heat, cold and pain. Your doctor will test your coordination and study your gait to check for any motor dysfunction in the nervous system. Blood tests and CT scans or MRIs may be performed to determine if an underlying condition is causing the disorder. Imaging of the brain may reveal tumors that are pressing on and damaging the basal ganglia cells.

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on the cause of the basal ganglia problems. When a disease is causing the disorder, treatment begins on the disease, which should help diminish basal ganglia symptoms. Ceasing medications that may be causing symptoms should stop basal ganglia dysfunction. Your doctor may recommend physical, speech and occupational therapy to help with involuntary movements and problems with speaking.

Considerations

• Basal ganglia problems caused by diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease progressively worsen even with treatment. Diseases such as Huntington's disease and Wilson's disease can be hereditary and are passed onto offspring by those afflicted with the disease. Prevention is not possible in cases of Parkinson's, Wilson's and Huntington's disease, but avoidance of certain medications and toxins may prevent damage to basal ganglia cells.