Key takeaways

  • A basal ganglia stroke occurs when blood flow to the basal ganglia is disrupted, affecting movement, emotions, and executive function. It can result from either a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).
  • Symptoms of a basal ganglia stroke can vary, but common signs include sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty with balance, and changes in mood or behavior.
  • Recovery from a basal ganglia stroke depends on factors such as the extent of brain damage. Treatment often requires rehabilitation via occupational, speech, and physical therapy to address potential long-term effects.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds and releases blood into the brain tissue. If an area of the basal ganglia is temporarily deprived of adequate blood supply, it causes tissue damage, which is a stroke.

Other effects that can develop after a basal ganglia stroke can include flattened emotions, apathy, and slow or delayed movements.

Any stroke is a medical emergency and needs urgent attention.

Blood carries oxygen to the brain. When there is any disruption of interruption of blood flow to a region of the brain, the affected brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing that area of cells to die – this is a stroke.

A collection of cell bodies called the basal ganglia lies deep in the center of the brain. The basal ganglia serve as the message center for a range of bodily functions.

This message center is responsible for various functions, such as:

  • movement control and learning
  • behavior
  • emotions
  • executive functions, the mental processes that enable people to do things, such as planning, focusing, remembering instructions, and multitasking

Like other types of stroke, a basal ganglia stroke can happen in different ways for different reasons. Here are some of the main types.

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks a vessel carrying blood to the brain. The blood is unable to reach cells in the brain, and they begin to die.

There are two types of ischemic stroke:

  • Thrombolic stroke: This is when a blood clot forms within a blood vessel in the brain.
  • Embolic stroke: This is when a blood clot travels from another part of the body, for example, the carotid artery or the heart, and lodges itself in a small blood vessel in the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood leaks from a burst, torn, or unstable blood vessel into the brain tissue. The buildup of blood can create swelling and pressure, which can lead to brain damage.

Basal ganglia strokes can be hemorrhagic strokes that result from high blood pressure.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Also known as “mini-strokes,” a TIA occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the brain for a short time, usually no longer than 5 minutes. It can be a warning sign that a more severe type of stroke will happen. As many as 10% to 15% of people who have a TIA experience a major stroke within the next 3 months.

A TIA usually does not cause permanent damage, but it is caused by the same risk factors that cause a stroke. Therefore, it is important to get medical attention to prevent a stroke from happening.

Strokes have a common set of signs and symptoms. Knowing these can enable a person to take action that might save someone’s life or reduce the risk of severe disability.

Anyone who notices sudden stroke symptoms in themselves or others should seek immediate medical attention.

Typical symptoms include:

  • sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
  • sudden confusion, speech difficulties, or cognitive problems
  • a severe headache
  • trouble walking and a loss of balance and coordination
  • sudden vision difficulties in one or both eyes
  • a droopy, uneven smile

Some basal ganglia strokes can present differently, which might make it harder to identify than other types of stroke. Here are some features that may occur:

  • apathy
  • reduced or slow movement
  • memory problems
  • flat emotions
  • lack of initiative
  • lack of restraint regarding social conventions
  • delayed actions
  • loss of awareness of one side of the body

Basal ganglia strokes can also result in mood disorders at any age, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Treatment for a basal ganglia stroke depends on the type of stroke and how quickly a person receives medical attention.

Depending on the reason for the stroke, among other factors, a doctor may recommend:

  • “clot-busting” drugs to break up a clot
  • a procedure to repair a broken blood vessel
  • surgery, for example, to clip an aneurysm and stop bleeding
  • medical interventions to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, fluids, swelling in the brin, and seizures

A person will also likely need long-term follow-ups and rehabilitation.

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A stroke can be life threatening, and people who survive, often experience changes that affect their daily life. While some make a full recovery, others may have changes that can affect almost every aspect of their life.

Recovering from a stroke can take time. It is not possible to predict how long it will take or what degree of recovery is possible because each person is different and there are many ways a stroke can affect an individual.

Experts note that it can be very difficult to predict how a person will recover after a basal ganglia stroke.

Factors affecting recovery

The effects on a person and their recovery prospects will depend on factors, such as:

  • how quickly the person receives treatment
  • how targeted their treatment is
  • which part of the brain the stroke affects
  • the extent of the damage

Long-term effects

A stroke can cause long-term effects, and it may take months or years for a person to improve. In some people, the changes may be permanent.

Possible lasting effects include:

  • Changes in movement: A person may be unable to move fully, have muscle spasms, or have difficulty controlling movement, for example, in their hand.
  • Effects on mental health : Mental health issues include depression and mood changes.
  • Pain: A person may start to notice pain on their affected side starting 2–3 months after a stroke.
  • Changes in thinking: Confusion can make it hard to make decisions and think logically.
  • Incontinence: Bowel and urinary incontinence may occur.
  • Speech problems: A person may have difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or both. They may forget words or mix them up.

Rehabilitation

During recovery, a person can benefit from ongoing therapy, such as:

Many people also need help with daily living, and some may need to spend time in residential care. Walkers, home adjustments, and other forms of support can help a person stay active and independent.

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Research

The authors of a 2020 study note that basal ganglia strokes can affect the basal ganglia in various ways. They recommended tailoring rehabilitation to address the specific damage and effects an individual has experienced.

In 2020, some researchers found that using a type of imagery, known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), may help identify the extent and type of damage to the basal ganglia. They concluded that DTI may help predict how likely a person is to make a good recovery, but the best option for recovery is to start treatment as soon as possible, and to participate and rehabilitation medical treatment.

Some people have a higher risk of a basal ganglia stroke than others.

Other factors that increase the risk of a stroke include:

  • a personal or family history of stroke or TIA
  • high blood pressure
  • heart and blood vessel diseases, such as atrial fibrillation or high LDL cholesterol
  • diabetes
  • smoking
  • a brain aneurysm, as this increases the risk of bleeding in the brain
  • being under the age of 1 or an older adult
  • having anxiety, depression, or high stress levels
  • various health problems, such as kidney or sickle cell disease
  • using some medications, such as blood thinners
  • having obesity or a higher BMI
  • not getting regular physical activity
  • using certain recreational drugs, such as cocaine
  • a high alcohol intake
  • not having a balanced diet

In the United States, Alaska Natives, Native Americans, Black, or Hispanic adults are more likely to experience a stroke.

A 2020 research article notes that there are disparities in the prevention and treatment of stroke, with Black, Latino, and Asian Americans in the United States having a higher risk of not getting the help they need. The authors call for better understanding and greater levels of care regarding stroke awareness and treatment.

It is not always possible to prevent a stroke, but some lifestyle choices can help, including:

While it is not possible to prevent every risk factor, people can start taking steps immediately to reduce the possibility of a stroke.

A basal ganglia stroke affects a part of the brain that is essential for movement, language, mood, and other crucial functions.

Some symptoms are common to any type of stroke, but a basal ganglia stroke may also lead to changes in emotions, movement, and initiative.

A person may appear flat in mood and move slowly. In some cases, the typical signs and symptoms may not appear, and changes can be subtle.

Some people recover fully, but it will depend on how the stroke affects the brain, the extent of the damage, how soon they get treatment, and individual factors, such as underlying health.

A basal ganglia stroke can lead to long-term problems with movement, speech, and other functions. In some cases, it can be life threatening.

A basal ganglia stroke is a type of stroke that affects the basal ganglia. This part of the brain holds many crucial nerves, including those that play a key role in movement, speech, and emotions.

Anyone who shows signs or symptoms of a stroke needs urgent medical attention. Getting immediate help may save a person’s life or help prevent severe complications during and after recovery.