Intermediate
Technical
IVT
akinesia
Pronunciation: ay-kih-NEE-zhuh
Complete loss of voluntary movement, distinguished from bradykinesia by the absence rather than slowness of motion.
Full Definition
Akinesia refers to the complete inability to initiate voluntary movement, a more severe manifestation than bradykinesia. It is commonly observed in advanced Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. In clinical documentation, editors must distinguish this from related terms like hypokinesia (reduced movement) or dyskinesia (abnormal movement). The term is often used in neurological assessments and movement disorder scales.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with bradykinesia in clinical notes; ensure context clarifies complete absence versus slowness of movement.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited marked akinesia in the left upper extremity during the off-medication period." — Neurology consultation note
- "Akinesia was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale." — Clinical trial protocol
Also known as
motionlessness
Contrasted with
hyperkinesia
dyskinesia
Don't confuse with
bradykinesia
hypokinesia
dyskinesia