Basal ganglia dysfunction

Table of Contents

Definition

Basal ganglia dysfunction is a problem with the basal ganglia, the deep brain structures that help start and control movement.


Alternative Names

Extra-pyramidal syndrome


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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:

  • Dystonia
  • Huntington's disease
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Wilson's disease

This list may not be all-inclusive.



Review Date: 09/26/2010
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)