Bradykinesia or slowness of movement is one of the
three main signs of Parkinson’s, along with tremor and rigidity (stiffness).
Taken from Greek words meaning ‘slow’ and ‘movement’, the term was first used
by Dr James Parkinson in 1817. Bradykinesia describes slowness in carrying out,
rather than initiating, movements. Up to 98% of all people with Parkinson’s
experience slowness of movement.
Bradykinesia is one of the early signs of illnesses or
movement disorders such as Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism.
It is caused by reduced levels of dopamine in the brain and is often noticed by
family and friends before the subject becomes aware of it.
Reduced quality of movement is a sign of Parkinson’s
rather than a symptom brought on by the illness. A doctor or neurologist who
observes bradykinesia may well suspect that a person has Parkinson’s.
Bradykinesia can affect one limb, one side of your
body, or your whole body, which can make you unnaturally still. The condition
often varies from moment to moment. This can be frustrating, as good quality of
movement can quickly be followed by poor quality.
As movements become slower and more difficult, you
tend to move less. Your mobility decreases, which can make the condition worse.
Reduced co-ordination and, surprisingly, increased muscle tone, may contribute
to bradykinesia. You may start to take slower steps for example. Your muscles
have not become weaker, they are just reacting more slowly.
You may hear the terms akinesia and hypokinesia used
in relation to bradykinesia. Akinesia means a loss of movement, for example,
lack of facial expression or rarer eye blinks. Hypokinesia refers to movements
that are reduced in scale, such as the small handwriting (micrographia) or soft
voice (hypophonia) associated with Parkinson’s. It is possible to experience
all of these conditions.
Diagnosis and
treatment
If you suspect you, or someone you know, is
experiencing slowness of movement, it is important to see a doctor.
Bradykinesia is a feature of a number of illnesses, so it needs to be
accurately diagnosed.
Bradykinesia causes difficulties with rapidly repeated
movements. To make an assessment, the doctor will ask you to perform rapid,
repetitive hand movements, such as tapping your finger and thumb together,
gripping and releasing, or moving your palms up and down. Or you may be asked
to rapidly tap your foot up and down.
The doctor will investigate your family history and
also your medical history, since certain medications can cause slowness of
movement. In a few cases, the assessment may involve a test such as an MRI
scan, to exclude the possibility of stroke or tumour.
Bradykinesia generally responds well to medication,
especially in the early stages of the illness. As with all Parkinson’s
medicines, treatment is very individual. What works for one person may not work
for another, so your doctor may try several approaches to see what works best
for you.
Who can help?
Your doctor will usually be your first point of
contact and can help by adjusting your medication. He or she might also refer
you to a doctor who specialises in movement disorders.
In some countries, there are Parkinson’s Disease Nurse
Specialists or nurses who specialise in neurology who can help.
Once diagnosed, your doctor will probably refer you to
a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who will look at your symptoms and
recommend exercises and techniques to help with slowed movement.
Physiotherapists can give advice on how to improve the
quality of movement during everyday activities, and suggest exercises to
maintain or improve muscle tone.
Occupational therapists can also help with changes to
your routine to help you stay mobile and independent.
Both occupational therapists and physiotherapists can
advise on devices and aids to help with mobility.
The type of therapist you are referred to will depend
on where you live, the resources available and your individual needs. Treatment
may or may not be funded through your country’s national health system.
How can I help myself?
It is important to keep active despite slowed
movement. These suggestions can help you to maintain your independence and
mobility:
Continue your usual daily activities as long as you
are able.
Avoid reducing your physical activities and maintain
mobility as much as possible.
Do the daily exercises that have been recommended to
keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Adjust your daily routine to make it easier to
continue on your own. For example, do things that require more effort at the
time of day you feel most mobile. Build in rest periods during the day.
Make life easier by using helpful devices such as
Velcro instead of buttons, elastic waistbands, height-adjusting beds and raised
seat cushions, which make it easier to get out of a chair.
Remove or firmly secure loose rugs that may trip you,
and rearrange furniture to make it easier to move around at home.
Maintain a positive attitude – this can be very
helpful in overcoming all sorts of difficulties.
http://www.epda.eu.com/about-parkinson-s/symptoms/motor-symptoms/bradykinesia/
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