Parkinson's disease: a major hypokinetic basal ganglia disorder

Disorders of the basal ganglia can be broadly divided into two: ones that m anifest hypokinesia or those that elicit hyperkinesia. Parkinson's disease is the commonest form of hypokinetic disorder. The term Parkinson's disease (PD) usually encompasses idiopathic and Parkinsonian-like syndromes. PD is a chronic and progressive disease, in which the symptoms tend to appear un ilateral to begin with. Subsequently subtle dysfunctions on the contralater al side may also be observed. Tremor, akinesia and rigidity are some of the classical features of the disease. Although many hypotheses have been prop osed, the cause of PD largely remains obscure. Management of PD includes ph armacological treatment or/and surgical intervention.