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Basal ganglia dysfunction - Overview

Alternative Names

Extra-pyramidal syndrome

Definition of Basal ganglia dysfunction:

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:

Athetosis resulting from basal ganglia injury

Athetosis resulting from basal ganglia injury

Conditions that cause injury to the brain can damage the basal ganglia. Such conditions include:

  • Drug overdose
  • Head injury
  • Infection
  • Liver disease
  • Metabolic problems
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Side effects of certain medications
  • Stroke
  • Tumors

Many brain disorders are associated with basal ganglia dysfunction. They include:

This list may not be all-inclusive.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/26/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lang A. Parkinsonism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 433.

Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.

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