Hypokinese

Hypokinese, also spelled hypokinesis or hypokinesia, is a medical term describing reduced movement or motility in a body part or organ. It is distinct from akinesia (complete absence of movement) and dyskinesia (involuntary or abnormal movement). The term is used across clinical specialties to describe localized decreases in motion rather than global motor loss.

In cardiology, hypokinesis refers to diminished contractile motion of a myocardial segment, usually within the left ventricle, during systole. It is detected on imaging as a regional wall-motion abnormality and commonly results from ischemia or scar tissue after a myocardial infarction. Hypokinetic segments can reduce overall ejection fraction and support a diagnosis of coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy.

In neurology and movement disorders, hypokinesia denotes a reduction in spontaneous movement and is a hallmark of parkinsonian syndromes. Patients may show bradykinesia, reduced arm swing, diminished facial expression, and slowed gait. Hypokinesia can be asymmetric early in disease and may respond variably to dopaminergic therapy.

Diagnosis and imaging play central roles in both contexts. Cardiac hypokinesis is assessed with echocardiography, cardiac MRI, ventriculography, or nuclear imaging to measure regional wall motion. Neurological hypokinesia is evaluated through clinical examination and neuroimaging, with movement scales and pharmacological trials aiding assessment.

Causes and prognosis depend on the systems involved. Cardiac hypokinesis is commonly related to ischemic heart disease or scar, while neurogenic hypokinesia relates to neurodegenerative disorders. Treatment targets the underlying condition and may include revascularization, heart-failure therapies, physical rehabilitation, or dopaminergic treatment for parkinsonian syndromes.

See also: akinesia, dyskinesia, bradykinesia, regional wall motion abnormality.