Pathophysiology of the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease

The basal ganglia can no longer be thought of as a unidirectional linear system that transfers information based solely on a firing-rate code, and is proposed to be a highly organized network, with operational characteristics that simulate a non-linear dynamic system.

Abstract

Insight into the organization of the basal ganglia in the normal, parkinsonian and L-dopa-induced dyskinesia states is critical for the development of newer and more effective therapies for Parkinson's disease. We believe that the basal ganglia can no longer be thought of as a unidirectional linear system that transfers information based solely on a firing-rate code. Rather, we propose that the basal ganglia is a highly organized network, with operational characteristics that simulate a non-linear dynamic system.