ABSTRACT
Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
I. INTRODUCTION
Axial mobility deficits include difficulties with balance, gait, posture, and transfers. Such mobility deficits are common features of many different basal ganglia disorders (1). Furthermore, axial mobility deficits may occur in patients with cortical lesions, in particular when these involve the frontal lobes or their connecting tracts in subcortical areas. For both groups of patients, these axial mobility deficits can be the sole or predominant sign, but may also coincide with ‘‘appendicular’’ signs (in the hands). For most patients, axial mobility deficits are difficult to treat using standard medical management, including pharmacotherapy and stereotactic neurosurgery. Alternative treatment strategies are now beginning to emerge, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation to reduce fear of falling. Here, we will provide a structured review of the possible treatments for mobility deficits in several common basal ganglia disorders (Table 1), excluding idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, which is discussed in Chapter 14.
