Basal Ganglia Diseases

The human brain is a complex organ that performs a number of vital functions including regulating movement, cognition, learning, memory, and behavior. The basal ganglia, sometimes referred to as the extrapyramidal system, is an important brain region that is composed of multiple inter-connected nuclei and is involved in movement, cognitive function, and emotion. Over an extended period of time, however, malfunction of the basal ganglia or any of its components can lead to a group of disorders known as basal ganglia diseases. Basal ganglia diseases include Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Wilson’s disease (WL), dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome (TS), tic disorders, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Each of these diseases is characterized by its own set of symptoms although, depending on the particular disorder, there may be overlap. PD, for example, is primarily characterized by tremors, rigidity, and a slowing of both voluntary and involuntary movements. In contrast, HD is characterized by its progressive degeneration of the basal ganglia leading to problems with movement, cognition, and personality. One of the primary causes of basal ganglia diseases is disruption of the normal balance of the neurotransmitters dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin in the brain. This causes neurons to either become overly active or become inactive, and this leads to the abnormal movements or other symptoms associated with the disorder. There is also evidence that genetics and environmental factors, such as exposure to heavy metals, may be involved in increasing an individual’s risk of developing a basal ganglia disorder. Depending on the type of disorder, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, medications, surgery, physical therapy, and even stem cell therapy in some cases. As such, it is important to accurately diagnose the patient’s disorder as soon as possible in order to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Often times, a combination of these techniques is used to help reduce the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Basal ganglia diseases are severe conditions that can have significant psychological, physical, and neurological effects on an individual’s life, and therefore it is important to accurately diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible.