Neuroscience

The basal ganglia play a critical role in selecting, initiating, regulating, and terminating movement. Dysfunction within these circuits can result in both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders, as well as changes in cognition, emotion, and behavior. Understanding the hyperdirect, direct, and indirect pathways is essential for interpreting motor symptoms and developing effective occupational therapy interventions.

Part II: Written Analysis (1 Page)

Basal Ganglia Function

In your own words, describe how the basal ganglia exerts impact on:

• Voluntary movement

• Muscle tone

• Stepping behavior

Part III: Clinical Case Comparison

Case 1: Parkinson Disease

Mr. Okafor is a 72-year-old retired pastor diagnosed with Parkinson disease.

Symptoms include:

• Bradykinesia

• Rigidity

• Reduced arm swing

• Resting tremor

• Difficulty initiating movement

Questions

1. How does Parkinson’s disease impact the basal ganglia to change: voluntary movement, muscle

tone, and stepping behaviors?

2. How might symptoms impact occupational performance?

3. Select one assessment for hypokinesia that would be appropriate for this patient and provide a

rationale for selection of this assessment?

Case 2: Huntington Disease

Ms. Rivera is a 52-year-old teacher diagnosed with Huntington disease.

Symptoms include:

• Chorea

• Excessive involuntary movement

OCTH 6035 Neuroscience

Basal Ganglia Pathway Mapping and Clinical Reasoning

• Difficulty maintaining posture

• Impulsivity

• Cognitive decline

Questions

1. How does Huntington’s disease impact the basal ganglia to change movement selection?

2. How might symptoms impact occupational performance?

3. Select one assessment for hyperkinesia that would be appropriate for this patient and provide a

rationale for selection of this assessment.