Basal Ganglia Disease

Basal Ganglia Disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of conditions characterized by degeneration of the neurons that are part of the brain's basal ganglia system. These conditions can affect both adults and children, but more commonly present in adults as Parkinson's disease. The basal ganglia is a group of nuclei located in the brain stem that regulate movement, including initiating, controlling, and aligning movement to achieve a desired purpose, as well as planning and learning new motor tasks. Basal ganglia diseases vary in their range of symptoms, with some associated with movement-related impairments, while others are related to more complex cognitive and behavioral disturbances. The presenting symptoms are also variable and can include involuntary movements, rigidity, tremors, difficulty coordinating movements and speaking, and changes in mood, memory, and cognitive function. In Parkinson's disease, the primary feature is a progressive degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the basal ganglia that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the control of movement. The loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes symptoms such as slowness and stiffness of movement, as well as resting tremor. Other motor impairments, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, and walking, may also present. Treatment of basal ganglia disease currently focuses on alleviating the symptoms, and can include medications, physical therapy, and speech and occupational therapy. In some cases, deep brain stimulation or other surgical techniques may also be used. There is no known cure for basal ganglia disease, and it is generally a progressive and degenerative condition. However, with proper treatment, some patients are able to maintain a good quality of life for many years.