The Behavioural Neurology of Basal Ganglia Disorders

Basal ganglia disorders are common clinical conditions characterised by specific motor dysfunction and associated behavioral problems. The underlying pathophysiology primarily consists in alterations of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical pathways, which can be related to both neurodegenerative pathology (e.g. Parkinson disease, Huntington disease) and neurodevelopmental processes (e.g. Tourette syndrome, dystonia). Modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission within the basal ganglia circuitries represents the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for these conditions. This thematic issue on “The behavioural neurology of basal ganglia disorders” explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the most common basal ganglia disorders, with special focus on the neurochemical targets for pharmacotherapy. The introductory article (Ward et al.) presents the functional neuroanatomy and behavioral correlates of basal ganglia as demonstrated by case studies of patients with selective lesions affecting the cortico-basal pathways. Lesions involving the caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus have been found to be associated with a spectrum of behavioral and cognitive symptoms, including abulia, poor working memory and