Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2003.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59-60).An engineering model of lower thalamo-cortico-basal ganglionic circuit functionality was extended and tested. This model attempts to explain the circuitry of the basal ganglia, examine its functional properties, and integrate these properties into an understanding of the diseases of the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Using this model, simulations of various movements were developed, specifically those of the following: 1) one-step, cruise movements, 2) asynchronous, cruise movements, and 3) sequential cruise movements. Results of these movements include simulated movements of both normal patients and patients with movement disorders.by Eugene J. Lim.M.Eng
