Paroxysmal Neuro dysfunction/ Basal Ganglia

[Kathleen]

Thank You for taking my question.

I have seen a neuro doc for second opinion concerning "seizure like" episodes that started many years ago. The opinion is that I
show symtoms sugggestive of basal ganglia dysfunction as well as
possible mitochondrial disorder. Further testing has been sugested.

Although I was able to locate the Mito disorder that was referred to , I cannot locate anything on Basal Ganglia.  Could you help describe this type of disorder please?

[[email protected]]

I am looking for some support group information on Huntington's.  Some suggestions for family members, community support, finanical support information:  anything!  Even an address of where else to look would be of great help.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

hope you two get in touch.

CCF Neuro MD

[Barbara]

Kathleen,

I am curious if you don't mind me being nosy. What are your seizures like. What happens and how are they related or unrelated to the text book ones? How long do they last? The reason I ask is I have had numerous seizure like events over the past three months related to alcohol withdrawal but not the usual generalized type.I have had no explanations from doctors.

Thanks,

Barbara

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Kathleen:

Basal ganglia are responsible for control of motor movements, they act in concert with the cortex to smooth out movements. Diseases of the basal ganglia give certain types of movement disorders such as dystonia, choreathetosis, chorea, etc.  Diseases such as mitochondrial cytopathies, Wilson's, Hunington's, essential tremor, Parkinson's etc have all been related to having a connection with the basal ganglia. Many mitochondrial disorders effect the basal ganglia, but not all.  Even the same type of mitochondrial disease (i.e. MELAS) may or may not affect the basal ganglia.  

I hope this helps.  There is a mitochondrial web site from the United Mitochondrial Foundation you may want to visit.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD