Akinesia is a term used in the medical field to describe a lack of movement or muscle control. The word is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning without, and "kinesis" meaning movement. The spelling of akinesia accurately reflects its pronunciation and is transcribed as [ˌeɪkɪˈniʒə]. The first syllable is pronounced like the letter "A" followed by the sound of "K," while the second syllable is pronounced like "nee" and ends with the "zh" sound. Overall, the spelling of akinesia follows typical English spelling patterns, while its pronunciation is reflective of its Greek roots.
Akinesia is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the partial or complete loss of voluntary muscle movements or a significant decrease in the ability to initiate and perform movements. It is often associated with various movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, where patients experience a lack of muscle control or a delay in their ability to start or stop movements.
Akinesia can manifest in different ways, including decreased facial expression, reduced blinking, diminished arm swinging during walking, and overall body stiffness. It is often accompanied by muscle rigidity and bradykinesia, which refers to slowness of movement. Akinesia can significantly impact a person's mobility, making it challenging to perform day-to-day activities.
The underlying cause of akinesia is primarily linked to the dysfunction of specific regions in the brain responsible for coordinating motor functions. These areas, particularly the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, play an integral role in the initiation and execution of voluntary movements. Damage or impairment of these regions disrupts the neural signals necessary for proper muscle control, resulting in akinesia.
Treatment for akinesia generally focuses on managing the underlying cause. In cases where it is associated with Parkinson's disease, medications like levodopa or other dopaminergic drugs may be prescribed to augment dopamine levels, thereby improving motor symptoms. Additionally, physical therapy and various rehabilitation techniques are often employed to enhance muscle control and function, promoting greater mobility for individuals with akinesia.
1. Absence or loss of the power of voluntary motion. 2. Immobility. 3. The postsystolic interval of rest of the heart. 4. A neurosis accompanied with paretic symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word akinesia is derived from the Greek roots a- meaning without or not, and kinesis meaning movement.