'Extrapyramidal'

'Extrapyramidal' denotes CNS motor phenomena relating to the basal ganglia.

Basal ganglia's main components = SSSP: Striatum, subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra, pallidum.

Extrapyramidal lesions cause abnormality with initiation and maintenance of movement. Extrapyramidal symptoms = tremor, rigidity, involuntary movements, dyskinesia (e.g. chorea, athetosis, ballismus, dystonia).

• Dyskinesia = Difficulty or abnormality in performing voluntary muscular movements.
• Chorea = Jerky, involuntary movements, chiefly of the face and extremities.
• Athetosis = Slow, involuntary, wormlike movements of the fingers, toes, hands, and feet.
• Ballismus = Twisting, shaking, and jerking motions.
• Dystonia = Abnormal tone.

Symptoms NOT suggestive of extrapyramidal lesions =

• Bradykinesia/akinesia (slow/absent movement)
• Loss of postural reflexes.