Vähäliikkeisyys

Vähäliikkeisyys, often translated as hypokinesia or akinesia, refers to a reduction or absence of voluntary movement. It is a prominent symptom observed in several neurological conditions, most notably Parkinson's disease. In Parkinson's disease, vähäliikkeisyys manifests as a slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and difficulty initiating movements. This can affect all aspects of a person's motor function, leading to challenges with everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, and eating.

The underlying cause of vähäliikkeisyys in Parkinson's disease is the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain. Dopamine plays a crucial role in coordinating smooth and voluntary muscle movement. A deficiency in dopamine disrupts the normal functioning of the basal ganglia, a group of structures involved in motor control, resulting in the characteristic motor symptoms.

While Parkinson's disease is the most common association, vähäliikkeisyys can also occur in other conditions. These include certain forms of atypical parkinsonism, stroke affecting motor pathways, and some drug-induced movement disorders. Diagnosis typically involves a neurological examination, assessment of motor symptoms, and consideration of the patient's medical history. Treatment strategies aim to manage the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms, often involving medications to restore dopamine levels or other neurotransmitters, and in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation. Physical and occupational therapy are also essential components of management to improve functional abilities and maintain independence.