Final answer:
Apathy or a lack of desire to use a limb caused by damage to the basal nuclei is likely a symptom of Parkinson's disease, a disorder characterized by motor and motivational impairments.
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual suffering damage to the basal nuclei resulting in a lack of desire to use a limb would likely be suffering from Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the basal nuclei, specifically affecting the substantia nigra, leading to a reduction in dopaminergic innervation within the basal ganglia. This condition is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscular rigidity, and postural instability. Beyond these motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease can also cause motivational deficits. An example of this was observed in a case where an individual, after bilateral basal nuclei damage, lost the interest in daily activities and showed no motivation to engage in any task unless externally prompted.
The nuclei of the basal ganglia are essential for controlling movement, and additionally, regulate motivation, which could explain why damage to this area results in apathy or a lack of desire to initiate activity, including the use of limbs. Typically, this kind of impairment does not produce feelings of boredom or frustration in affected individuals, suggesting a neurological disconnect between the capacity for movement and the desire or motivation to move.