Akinesia Treatment in Delhi, India

The inability to produce a clinically perceivable movement is considered akinesia. Patients with akinesia may experience this issue in different ways, such as a halt in mid-action, slowed response, and even complete immobility. In medical terms, akinesia is defined as a condition in which patients are restricted from experiencing any body movement. The main reason for having this issue is a tiny amplitude or significant increase in the times which has been taken for initiating a reaction. Studies have also defined it as the result of severe bradykinesia, which was mislabeled as akinesia. Because of this, differentiating between the two was very difficult. However, at last, a lack of quick build-up of sufficient strength in the commencing movement has been identified as akinesia.

Symptoms of Akinesia

Some of the symptoms which are associated with akinesia are:

• It might be difficult when a patient initiates to walk someplace.
• Rigidity in the muscles, mostly beginning in the legs and neck.
• Face muscles also become stiff like a mask.
• Disability in moving the feet properly.

All patients with this disease do not experience similar symptoms. The acronym TRAP has been used frequently by doctors for characterising the symptoms of akinesia. The acronym stands for:

• Tremor at rest
• Rigidity
• Akinesia
• Postural instability

The foetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) is a kind of Akinesia that intends to produce a slew of anomalies in the development of a baby in the mother's womb. The symptoms of that kind of Akinesia are:

• Facial anomalies
• Underdeveloped lungs
• Joint contractures
• Intrauterine growth restriction

Causes of Akinesia

Akinesia can be observed in both adults and children. Some of the causes which help in developing Akinesia in adults are:

• Parkinson's Disease: Due to the reduced amount of dopamine that has been produced in the human brain, the ability to control muscles gets affected.
• Hormone Levels: Severely reduced levels of thyroid hormone or Hypothyroidism can result in Akinesia
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: This is a brain-damaging condition that develops gradually and affects the balance of the human body first.
• Medication used for relieving Parkinson's symptoms: If a patient consumes too much medication for Parkinson's disease, the dopamine gets inhibited.

Doctors have also identified genetic causes related to akinesia. Doctors have identified two gene variants linked to an increased incidence of prenatal akinesia. If a patient has a family history of the illness or has had infants born with it, they should consult a genetic specialist. They can then be examined for the gene mutations DOK7 and RAPSN, which have been linked to akinesia.

Diagnosis of Akinesia

As akinesia is a sign of Parkinson's disease, it can be detected during a motor examination. When a patient is requested to execute particular actions, such as walking or finger tapping, a neurologist or physician can observe movement.

Treatment of Akinesia

Depending on the symptoms of Akinesia, treatment has been initiated by the doctor.

• Medication: A combination of levodopa, a central nervous system drug, and carbidopa is one of the most popular therapies for akinesia caused by Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa reduces the severity of levodopa's negative effects, such as nausea. Lack of dopamine can cause akinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease. Dopamine is produced in the brain and then transported throughout the body via neurons. Because the brain converts levodopa into dopamine, it helps to alleviate akinesia and other Parkinson's disease symptoms. Carbidopa and levodopa might interact with other drugs and have serious adverse effects.

MAO-B inhibitors also prevent dopamine from being destroyed by the enzymes of the human body naturally. This also increases the amount of dopamine available to combat akinesia and slows Parkinson's disease progression.

• Implantable Stimulator: Doctors may consider the idea of surgically implanting electrodes, which is called deep brain stimulation that activates movement centres if typical drugs wear off too quickly or do not have the desired impact on akinesia. In more advanced situations, this therapy can aid with symptoms.

• Home Treatment: Regular exercise might help to cope with the pain and suffering that often accompany akinesia and other motor function issues caused by PD or PSP. It is critical that a patient does not overexert or fall when exercising. Stretching the muscles with yoga or tai chi can help halt the growth of akinesia.

Complications of Akinesia

Complications that may be faced by patients with akinesia are:

• Having blurred vision.
• Loss of vision.
• Unable to move eyes quickly.
• Unable to look up and down easily.
• Unable to keep eye contact for very long.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Symptoms of depression-like mood swings.

Risk Factors of Akinesia

Risk factors include:

• Postural instability.
• History of slowed muscle movements.
• Issues with muscle rigidity.
• Having Parkinson's disease for a long time.

The risk factors of FAD are:

• Fetal oedema
• Abnormalities in the development of the nervous system.
• History of maternal illness or drug use.
• Chondrodysplasias

Prognosis of Akinesia

It is critical to get treatment for akinesia since the symptoms increase the probability of a patient falling. This can result in broken bones and other injuries. Patients with Parkinson's disease or other diseases may benefit from seeing a physical therapist, who may teach them how to push through "freezing" moments and move in a safer manner whenever feasible. Other than supportive care, there are currently no therapies for PSP or foetal akinesia. Support may include assistance with breathing for newborns born with akinesia whose lungs are not completely grown or functioning. Each year, new research on Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's syndrome, and other associated illnesses emerges, with a focus on Lewy bodies and other biological traits that may cause these conditions. Doctors and scientists may get closer to knowing how to treat and cure akinesia and its causes as a result of this research.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Vinny Sood, Principal Consultant, Neurosciences, Neurology.