Akinesia is when an individual loses control over their muscles, often referred to as freezing. Akinesia is one of the first signs of Parkinson’s Disease, however it can be linked to other medical conditions as well.

Akinesia occurs due to neurological changes in the body which result in either weak or dead nerve cells (also known as neurons).

This means that the nerve and muscles do not receive the right signals which result in the loss of control in any of the major muscle groups such as the hands, legs, and other body parts.

Patients suffering from this disorder will find their movements and motor skills become immediately diminished.

Source: EPainAssist

Symptoms Of Akinesia

Blurred or complete loss of vision

Difficult in speaking/lowered voice

Tremoring of the fingers even when simple seated

Difficulty in standing up and walking

Unable to maintain the right posture

Trouble moving eyes or look in different directions

Difficulty in swallowing

Mood swings, depression etc.

Causes Of Akinesia

Akinesia can occur irrespective of the age and here are few of the major causes for it:

Parkinson’s disease is the number one cause of Akinesia and occurs due to the lower levels of dopamine in the body (the muscle controlling hormone).

Certain medicines can hinder the production of dopamine in the body creating Parkinson’s Disease like situation.

Extreme thyroid hormone deficiency

Akinesia can occur to due genetic reasons.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a condition that affects the brain functioning. This results in loss of balance and can hinder day to day activities like walking, running etc.

Treatment

Treatment for Akinesia varies depending on the symptoms. Generally doctor’s would prescribe one of the below treatment options:

Medicines

A blend of Levodopa and Carbidopa is the standard medication. While Levodopa stimulates the nervous system, Carbidopa keeps side effects Levodopa away (so you’re not nauseated at all times).

The Levodopa is converted into dopamine by the brain. So you not only can move again with the freezing feeling but it also prevents tremors and other symptoms from occurring.

MAO-B Inhibitors are the other type of medicines you’ll more likely be prescribed. These also work towards maintaining the right dopamine levels in the body.

These medicines might also be accompanied with anti-depressants or botulinum injections to treat some of the other mentioned symptoms.

Home Remedies

Medicines is only part of the treatment. Here is a list of things you can do from your end to assist in recovery.

Perform exercises that counter pain and immobility caused by Akinesia

Get help from a therapist so exercises are performed under expert guidance.

Keep yourself hydrated

Consume a fiber-rich diet

Perform muscle relaxing activities like acupuncture, meditation.

Avoid stress, focus on activities you love like listening to slow music, painting but for shorter periods.

Implantable Stimulators

Where medication fails, electrodes can provide a helping hand. The process is known as deep brain stimulation and involves surgical implantation of electrodes which stimulate the nervous centers.

Since it’s a medical treatment method only give in case of extreme symptoms, you’d want to consult a few doctors about it before going ahead with it.

Painkillers

Pain and muscle stiffness are common problems associated with Akinesia. To deal with this, over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may also be prescribed by the doctor.

Patient Outlook

There are currently no cures for Akinesia or for any of the conditions associated with this medical diagnosis. But new research on the Parkinson disease is coming up regularly.

For now, therapies, lifestyle changes and medications are recommended for patients who are beginning to show a symptom, all the way to severe conditions.

These remedies can help keep the patient from further diminished motor skills and movement; and allow day to day activity and tasks to be performed.