Akinesia: Symptoms, origins, and remedies
Akinesia, a condition characterised by a lack of movement or reduced spontaneity and initiative, is often associated with Parkinson's disease. However, it can also stem from various non-Parkinson's related causes in adults.
Catatonia, a condition marked by immobility, rigidity, and unresponsiveness, is one such example. Caused by psychiatric disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, infectious diseases, and certain medications, it shares similar symptoms with akinesia [1].
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening neurological disorder caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs, can also lead to akinesia-like symptoms [1].
Psychiatric conditions, such as depression, can sometimes manifest with psychomotor retardation, which may resemble akinesia in terms of reduced movement and spontaneity.
Certain medications, including those used for psychiatric conditions, can cause akinesia-like symptoms as a side effect.
Neurodegenerative diseases, like Huntington's disease and certain forms of dementia, can also present with akinesia due to their impact on motor control and neurological function.
Stroke or brain injury can result in movement disorders, including forms of akinesia, depending on the location and extent of the injury.
In the context of Parkinson's disease, men are more likely to experience akinesia than women, and those with a resting tremor as the predominant symptom are less likely to have akinesia [1].
While there are treatments for Parkinson's disease-related akinesia, such as medications that increase the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the body or the activity it causes, currently, there are no treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or fetal akinesia other than supportive care [1].
Akinesia in the womb can impact a baby's growth and maturation, leading to conditions like fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS), which can cause a combination of abnormalities in the womb, potentially leading to stillbirth or underdeveloped lungs [1].
It is essential to note that akinesia is not exclusive to Parkinson's disease and can have other medical causes. Therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms of akinesia should seek medical advice promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
[1] Sources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's UK.
- Akinesia, a condition like the one found in Parkinson's disease, can stem from various medical conditions, including neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease and certain forms of dementia.
- In the realm of health and wellness, certain medications used for treating psychiatric conditions can cause akinesia-like symptoms, even though it's often associated with Parkinson's disease.
- The science behind medical conditions reveals that akinesia can also be a result of non-Parkinson's related causes, such as those originating from stroke or brain injury, psychiatric disorders, or certain medications.
