IDIOPATHIC BASAL GANGLIA CALCIFICATION

SYMPTOMS

It’s possible that you don’t have any symptoms at all. If you do, it’s generally one of two types: movement-related or psychological. Furthermore, the symptoms you experience will vary depending on which area of your brain is involved.

For a movement-related condition, the symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Clumsiness
• Talking more slowly than normal
• Cramped muscles
• Walking unsteadily
• Muscle stiffness and tremors
• Involuntary movement of legs and arms
• Stiff legs or arms

On the other hand, symptoms for a psychological related condition include:

• Lapses in memory
• Psychosis 
• Dementia
• Poor concentration
• Mood changes

Other symptoms are:

• Dizziness or vertigo
• Tiredness
• Seizures
• Migraines
• Impotence 
• Urinary incontinence 

DIAGNOSIS

There is no single test that can diagnose idiopathic basal ganglia calcification. Rather, doctors utilize a variety of approaches to determine whether or not you have it.

Moreover, family history and symptoms are usually the first considerations in diagnosing this condition. If you have any symptoms and one of your siblings or parents has it, it’s possible that they are part of the same condition.

Furthermore, genetic testing, counseling, and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI are the most common approaches used to diagnose idiopathic basal ganglia calcification.

TREATMENT

This condition still has no treatment. Nevertheless, the symptoms can be managed. Certain anti-epileptic drugs, for instance, can help if you suffer seizures. You can also use drugs to manage and control migraines if you do have them.

Also, remember to consult your doctor if you feel nervous or depressed. There are medications available to help manage mood disorders.

Finally, if you have this problem, you should see your doctor once a year to see if it has worsened or improved.