A basal ganglia stroke could cause problems with movement, sensation, and personality. Some cases can be life threatening, so prompt treatment is essential.
The basal ganglia are neurons deep in the brain that are key to movement, executive functions, behaviors, and emotions. Neurons are brain cells that act as messengers by sending signals throughout the nervous system. Any injury to the basal ganglia can have serious, potentially long-term effects on your movement, speech, or judgment.
A stroke that disrupts blood flow to your basal ganglia could cause problems with muscle control or your sense of touch. You could even experience personality changes.
The symptoms of a stroke in the basal ganglia will be similar to stroke symptoms elsewhere in the brain. A stroke is the disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, either due to a blocked artery or a ruptured blood vessel that causes blood to spill into nearby brain tissue.
Typical stroke symptoms can
- a sudden and intense headache
- numbness or weakness on one side of your face or body
- a lack of coordination or balance
- difficulty speaking or understanding words spoken to you
- difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes
Because of the unique nature of the basal ganglia, the symptoms of a basal ganglia stroke may also include:
- rigid or weak muscles that limit movement
- a loss of symmetry in your smile
- difficulty swallowing
- tremors or irregular movements like chorea
Symptoms may also vary depending on which side of the basal ganglia the stroke affects.
For example, if the stroke occurs in the right basal ganglia, you may have difficulty turning to the left. You may not even be aware of things happening immediately to your left. A stroke in the right basal ganglia may lead to severe apathy and confusion.
What are the cognitive effects of basal ganglia stroke?
According to
- executive function
- attention
- memory
- awareness of the orientation of objects
- ability to recall names of people, places, things, or ideas
Many of the strokes that occur in the basal ganglia are hemorrhagic strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in part of the brain ruptures. This can happen if the wall of an artery becomes so weak it tears and allows blood to leak out.
The blood vessels in the basal ganglia are especially small and vulnerable to tearing or rupture. Scientists report that
An ischemic stroke can also affect the basal ganglia. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot or narrowed arteries prevent sufficient blood flow through the blood vessels. This starves tissue of the oxygen and nutrients carried in the bloodstream.
Basal ganglia strokes are a type of lacunar stroke, meaning they happen in the small vessels deep within the brain. Lacunar strokes are one of the
Risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke in the basal ganglia include:
These same risk factors can also increase your risk of an ischemic stroke. Learn more about risk factors for stroke.
When you’re at the hospital, a doctor will want to know your symptoms and when they started, as well as your medical history.
To diagnose a stroke, your doctor will also want images of your brain to see what’s going on. A CT or MRI scan can provide them with detailed images of your brain and its blood vessels.
Once emergency personnel know what type of stroke you’re having, they can give you the correct treatment.
One of the most important aspects of stroke treatment is time. The sooner you get to a hospital, preferably a stroke center, the more likely a doctor can minimize the damage from the stroke. Call your local emergency services or have someone close to you call as soon as symptoms begin.
If you’re having an ischemic stroke and you get to the hospital within
If you’re having a hemorrhagic stroke, you can’t take tPA because it inhibits clotting and boosts blood flow. The drug could cause a dangerous bleeding episode and potentially more brain damage.
For a hemorrhagic stroke, you may need surgery if the rupture is significant.
After initial treatment in the hospital, you’ll typically require stroke rehabilitation.
If the stroke affected your balance, physical therapists can help you learn to walk again. Speech therapists can help you if the stroke affected your ability to speak. Through rehab, you’ll also learn exercises and drills you can do at home to further your recovery.
Recovery can be especially complicated in cases of basal ganglia stroke. A right-sided stroke can make it difficult to perceive sensations on your left side even after the stroke is over. You may have difficulty knowing where your left hand or foot is in space. Making simple movements may become more difficult.
In addition to visual difficulties and other physical problems, you may also have emotional challenges. You could become more emotional than you were before the basal ganglia stroke. You may also become depressed or anxious.
A mental health professional can help you treat these conditions through a combination of therapy and medication.
Your short-term and long-term outlook after a basal ganglia stroke depend on how quickly you received treatment and how many neurons were lost. The brain can sometimes recover from injury, but it will take time. Be patient and work closely with your healthcare team to take steps toward recovery.
A basal ganglia stroke could have lasting effects that may interfere with your quality of life. Having any type of stroke increases your risk of having another stroke. Having a basal ganglia stroke or other damage to that part of the brain may also
If you stick with your rehabilitation program and take advantage of services in your community, you may be able to improve your chances of recovery.
What is the life expectancy after basal ganglia stroke?
Basal ganglia strokes are often hemorrhagic. In a 2022 review, 50% of people worldwide were still alive 1 year after a hemorrhagic stroke, and 41% were still alive after 5 years.
Ischemic strokes usually have a more favorable outcome than hemorrhagic strokes. In a 2019 Swedish study,
Scientists have traditionally believed that ischemic strokes in the basal ganglia may have a less favorable outcome than ischemic strokes elsewhere. However, a
Basal ganglia strokes occur when there’s a disruption of blood flow to the basal ganglia — neurons deep within your brain that are essential to movement, executive functioning, and behavior. Symptoms of a stroke here include difficulty with muscle control, loss of sensation, and personality changes.
While most strokes overall are ischemic (due to a blockage), many basal ganglia strokes are hemorrhagic (due to bleeding). Hemorrhagic strokes can often be more severe with less favorable outcomes.
Prompt treatment is essential to limit permanent brain damage and reduce the risk of long-term complications like Parkinsonism.