Hemiballismus | Pathogenesis, Signs/Symptoms, and Detailed Mechanism

The video tutorial explains hemiballismus, a hyperkinetic movement disorder caused by damage to the subthalamic nucleus. It contrasts hemiballismus with Huntington's disease, highlighting differences in causes and symptoms. The tutorial also covers the direct and indirect pathways of the basal nuclei, explaining how they regulate movement. Damage to the subthalamic nucleus disrupts the indirect pathway, leading to involuntary movements characteristic of hemiballismus.

What is the primary cause of hemiballismus?

• Viral infection

• Stroke

• Genetic mutation

• Prion disorder

How does hemiballismus differ from Huntington's disease in terms of affected body parts?

• Hemiballismus affects both sides of the body, while Huntington's affects one side.

• Hemiballismus affects the entire body, while Huntington's affects only the limbs.

• Hemiballismus affects distal muscles, while Huntington's affects proximal muscles.

• Hemiballismus affects one side of the body, while Huntington's affects both sides.

Which pathway is responsible for promoting muscle contraction and movement?

• Indirect pathway

• Direct pathway

• Subthalamic pathway

• Thalamic pathway

What is the role of the globus pallidus internus in the indirect pathway?

• To inhibit the thalamus

• To activate the subthalamic nucleus

• To activate the thalamus

• To inhibit the striatum

What happens when the subthalamic nucleus is damaged in hemiballismus?

• Decreased activity of the thalamus

• Failure to suppress unwanted movements

• Increased inhibition of the thalamus

• Increased activation of the globus pallidus internus

Which part of the basal nuclei is primarily affected in hemiballismus?

• Globus pallidus externus

• Caudate nucleus

• Putamen

• Subthalamic nucleus

What is the effect of less activity in the globus pallidus internus?

• Less movement due to more inhibition of the thalamus

• More movement due to less inhibition of the thalamus

• More inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus

• Activation of the direct pathway