Basal ganglia dysfunction

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

When the basal ganglia cells are damaged, there may be problems with the ability to control speech and movement. Difficulties with starting movement, sustaining movement and stopping movement are all possible when this area of the brain is injured.

Conditions that cause injury to the brain can potentially damage the basal ganglia. Such conditions include strokes, metabolic abnormalities, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, infections, tumors, drug overdoses or side effects, and head trauma.

Numerous brain disorders can be associated basal ganglia dysfunction, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy, Wilson's disease, and dystonia.

Review Date: 08/26/2006
Reviewed By: Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.