Basal Ganglia
Anne Morel in Stereotactic Atlas of the Human Thalamus and Basal Ganglia, 2007
The series of maps presented in Figures 4.1 to 4.47 were derived from case Hb7 where sections from the left and right hemispheres were cut in the frontal and sagittal planes, respectively. The distance between maps are given in millimeters “in vivo” in each drawing. Similar conventions to those described in Chapter 3 for the thalamic atlas were applied here, with additional areas indicated in many maps by dotted lines that represent the patch/matrix organization of the striatum, as well as differential staining in the pallidum and subthalamic nucleus. Whole pallidum, STh, and part of the striatum and SN are also represented in the maps of the thalamic atlas in Chapter 3 (Figs. 3.1-3.13 and 3.18-3.25). Structures outside the basal ganglia, such as parts of the hypothalamus, amygdala, and adjoining cortex, are not delimited in detail.
Introduction: Background to the Dynamics of the Basal Ganglia
Robert Miller in A Theory of the Basal Ganglia and Their Disorders, 2008
The mammalian forebrain consists of various macrostructures of which the cerebral cortex is the largest. This laminated sheet of gray matter comprises both the neocortex and other laminated components, including notably, the hippocampal formation. In addition there are nonlaminated structures in the forebrain, including the thalamus, and a variety of other entities (striatum, globus pallidus, subthalamus), which, together with the substantia nigra in the midbrain make up the complex known as the basal ganglia.
Introduction
Robert Miller in A Theory of the Basal Ganglia and Their Disorders, 2008
Superfi cially at least, most symptoms of disorders of the basal ganglia appear to be disorders of motor coordination rather than of behavioral selection. As noted above, this fact poses a major problem if, as explained here, it is proposed that the basal ganglia are concerned with behavioral, attentional, and motivational selection, rather than with motor coordination. To resolve this serious diffi culty some general comments need to be made before embarking on a more detailed discussion.
A Quantitative MRI Study of the Basal Ganglia in Depression in HIV Seropositive Men
Published in Journal of Neuro-AIDS, 1996
Sophie Davison, Elizabeth Aylward, Justin McArthur, Ola Selnes, Constantine Lyketsos, Patrick Barta, Godfrey Pearlson
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is associated with high rates of depressive symptomatology. There is evidence that such infection is associated with damage to the basal ganglia. It has also been suggested that the basal ganglia are implicated in the aetiology of affective disorders. Objective: This study examined the association between basal ganglia atrophy and depression in HIV seropositive men. We hypothesized that depressed HIV seropositive patients would have smaller basal ganglia compared with nondepressed HIV positive comparison subjects. Method: Using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques we compared the basal ganglia volumes of sixteen depressed, and sixteen group-matched nondepressed HIV seropositive homosexual men. Result: We found no significant difference in basal ganglia volumes between the two groups. Conclusions: We suggest that depression, at least in the early stages of HIV infection, is not associated with basal ganglia atrophy.
Basal ganglia lesions following carbon monoxide poisoning
Published in Brain Injury, 2006
Ramona O. Hopkins, Michael A. Fearing, Lindell K. Weaver, John F. Foley
Primary objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is the most common cause of poisoning and may result in basal ganglia lesions. This study reviewed the literature of carbon monoxide poisoning and basal ganglia lesions and prospectively assessed the prevalence of basal ganglia lesions in a cohort of patients with CO poisoning. Research design: Literature review and prospective cohort study. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and assessed 73 CO-poisoned patients for basal ganglia lesions on sequential MR scans. Magnetic resonance scans were obtained on day 1, 2 weeks and 6 months post-CO poisoning. Results: The literature review found basal ganglia lesions occur in 4–88% of subjects. Only one patient was found with globus pallidus lesions at 2 weeks and 6 months following CO poisoning, that were not present on the initial day 1 MR scan. Conclusions: Basal ganglia lesions, including lesions of the globus pallidus, may be less common than previously reported.
The Basal Ganglia and Pain
Published in International Journal of Neuroscience, 1988
The basal ganglia are associated with motor functions of the brain, although it is becoming clear that they may subserve many nonmotor functions as well. A review of the literature reveals an association between the basal ganglia and pain, and raises the question of a new function for the basal ganglia in selective attention.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Cerebrum
- Putamen
- White Matter
- Temporal Lobe
- Thalamus
- Striatum
- Cerebellum