bradykinesia
Pronunciation: brad-ee-ki-NEE-zhuh
Slowness of voluntary movement, a cardinal feature of parkinsonism.
Full Definition
Bradykinesia refers to the slowness and reduction in amplitude of voluntary movements characteristic of parkinsonian disorders. It manifests as decreased automatic movements, reduced facial expression (hypomimia), slow gait with shortened steps, and difficulty initiating movements. Bradykinesia differs from weakness or paralysis in that the movements are possible but executed more slowly than normal. It is one of the cardinal motor features of Parkinson's disease, along with tremor, rigidity, and postural instability, and is often the most functionally disabling symptom.
Usage
Usage note: Often hyphenated as brady-kinesia in older texts, but current preference is single word.
In Context
- "Bradykinesia was evident in the patient's slow, small handwriting movements." — Movement disorder examination
- "The medication improved tremor but had minimal effect on bradykinesia." — Parkinson's disease treatment review