Akinesia is the condition in which there is impairment of motor function. Akinesia means “without movement”. The basal ganglion of the brain gets affected affecting movement of the body. Medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease will show symptoms of akinesia. Either the movement is totally lost or there is reduction of movement of muscle, when a person gets affected with this disorder. Paralysis can also cause akinesia temporarily as side effect. Sometimes, the symptom of this disorder is confused with that of schizophrenia resembling negative symptoms of depression and hence the disease remains untreated for long time.
Causes :
During the progress of disease, the brain gets affected damaging the pathways of nerve signals. Initially the symptoms start with tremors and delayed movement which will eventually turn into complete loss of movement. Intake of certain psychotic drugs can cause this disorder. Very often akinesia is seen as a side effect for patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
People with history of heart problems may develop akinetic septum, a rare condition affecting the heart badly. It deprives the heart with oxygen and is life threatening. Sometimes, chromosomal abnormalities may lead to congenital (inherited by birth) akinesia creating impairment of movements right from conception.
Accident or trauma caused to the head can affect the brain restricting the movement of body parts.
Any drug that affects the basal ganglion of the brain may cause akinesia.