Central Nervous System- Basic Neuropathology

Question No. 17. The Answer is: (E)-  Subthalamic nucleus.

Discussion: Hemiballism is continuous, violent, coordinated involuntary activity involving the axial and proximal appendicular musculature on one side of body, which is due to destruction of the contralateral subthalamic nucleus and its afferent or efferent connections. Destruction of the subthalamic nucleus can cause ballism regardless of the pathologic mechanisms. The most common cause of hemiballismus is hemorrhagic or ischemic infarction in the region of the subthalamic nucleus. Arteriovenous malformations, venous angiomas, and subarachnoid hemorrhage are other vascular causes of hemiballismus. In younger patients, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases are the most frequent pathologic processes.

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