The basal ganglia control movement and learned tasks, with damage causing motor problems. Parkinson’s, tardive dyskinesia, hemiballismus, and Huntington’s are common diseases. Tourette syndrome and OCD may also be linked to basal ganglia dysfunction. Understanding activity changes may lead to better treatment.
The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei in the brain responsible for controlling voluntary movement and performing learned tasks. Damage to this area of the brain causes problems with motor activities and uncontrolled body movements. This damage can be caused by trauma, but is more likely to occur due to a disease or disorder of the brain. The main diseases of the basal ganglia are Parkinson’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, hemiballismus and Huntington’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a type of hypokinetic disorder, which means that it causes a decrease in motor control and the speed of movement. This disorder is the result of low levels of dopamine in the basal ganglia. Features of Parkinson’s include tremors, stiffness, slow movement, shuffle, and depression.
In addition to Parkinson’s, basal ganglia diseases are hyperkinetic disorders. Due to reduced activity in the basal ganglia, movement control is impaired and uncontrollable movements result. These movements can be in the form of tremors, jerky movements of the limbs, or rapid alternating muscle movements.
Tardive dyskinesia is caused by problems with dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia. The receptors become overly sensitive to dopamine, leading to uncontrolled muscle movements. Such movements are most commonly seen in the muscles of the face. Hemiballismus is characterized by involuntary movement on only one side of the body.
One of the most debilitating basal ganglia diseases is Huntington’s disease. This disorder is hereditary and causes significant problems with speech, movement, cognition and behavior. Limb activity is jerky and speech production gradually decreases. The disease is progressive and will eventually lead to death.
There is some evidence to suggest that Tourette syndrome may be, at least in part, caused by problems in the basal ganglia. Disruptions in the neural circuits of the basal nuclei can cause uncontrollable tics and outbursts associated with this disorder. Similarly, some types of OCD can be the result of a dysfunction in this area of the brain. Research into these disorders and their relationship to the basal ganglia began in the late 20th century but has led to the development of new forms of treatment for the condition.
Studying basal ganglia diseases is a great way to learn more about this complex area of the brain. Excessive activity of the basal nuclei can lead to hypokinetic movements that are difficult to initiate, while insufficient activity can result in rapid and uncontrollable movements. Gaining a better understanding of why changes in activity occur may be key to treating the different basal ganglia diseases.
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