Final answer:
Damage to the basal ganglia can lead to motor symptoms such as a shuffling gait, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, postural instability, and resting tremors, as well as cognitive decline and motivational regulation issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Symptoms of Damage to the Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia are interconnected brain regions that play significant roles in controlling movement and posture. When there is damage to the basal ganglia, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease, several motor as well as non-motor symptoms can manifest. Motor impairments include:
- A shuffling gait when walking
- Bradykinesia or slowed movements
- Loss of spontaneous and voluntary muscle movements
- Muscle rigidity
- Postural instability
- Resting tremors
Additionally, cognitive and psychological symptoms may also appear due to basal ganglia damage. These can include cognitive decline, memory loss, depression, anxiety, apathy, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), helplessness, and impaired concentration. In advanced stages, dementia may develop.
Non-motor symptoms that indicate damage to the basal ganglia also involve regulation of motivation. An example includes a case where damage led to a lack of interest in day-to-day activities unless the patient was externally stimulated, such as being invited to participate in a card game. Such patients do not typically report feelings of boredom or frustration with their condition.
In summary, damage to the basal ganglia can lead to a spectrum of symptoms that primarily affect motor function but can also significantly impact cognitive and emotional domains.