Ballism Flashcards
1
Q
Define Ballism.
A
Ballism is a hyperkinetic disorder that causes violent, flailing movements of large areas of the body.
2
Q
What is the pathology of Ballism?
A
It is caused by the specific loss of the subthalamic nucleus and can be initiated by a stroke or viral infection.
3
Q
What is hemiballismus?
A
Hemi-ballismus is ballism of one side of the body caused by a unilateral lesion of the opposite subthalamus.
4
Q
What treatment is available for Ballism?
A
Ballism can be treated, symptomatically, by large doses of neuroleptics (D2 antagonists) and benzodiazepines such as Diazepam.
