Wilson disease (disorder causing too much copper in the body's tissues)
Symptoms
Damage to the basal ganglia cells may cause problems controlling speech, movement, and posture. This combination of symptoms is called parkinsonism.
A person with basal ganglia dysfunction may have trouble starting, stopping, or sustaining movement. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, there may also be problems with memory and other thought processes.
In general, symptoms vary and may include:
Movement changes, such as involuntary or slowed movements
Increased muscle tone
Muscle spasms and muscle rigidity
Problems finding words
Tremor
Uncontrollable, repeated movements, speech, or cries (tics)
Walking difficulty
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms and medical history.
Blood and imaging tests may be needed. These may include:
CT and MRI of the head
Genetic testing
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain
Positron emission tomography (PET) to look at the metabolism of the brain
Blood tests to check blood sugar, thyroid function, liver function, and iron and copper levels
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the cause of the dysfunction. Some causes are reversible, while others require lifelong treatment.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have any:
Abnormal or involuntary movements
Falls without known reason
If you or others notice that you are shaky or slow
References
Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.
Okun MS, Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.
Vestal E, Rusher A, Ikeda K, Melnick M. Disorders of the basal nuclei. In: Lazaro RT, Reina-Guerra SG, Quiben MU, eds. Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
Review Date:
5/2/2022
Reviewed By:
Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.