What is the Difference Between Akinesia and Dyskinesia?

Akinesia and dyskinesia are both symptoms that describe disorders in movement, but they differ in the nature of the movement problems they cause.

Akinesia:

• Refers to the absence of movement, where a person cannot move their muscles, even if they try.
• Caused by muscle rigidity, often beginning in the legs and neck, and can also affect the face, resulting in a mask-like stare.
• Symptoms include difficulty in starting to walk, muscle rigidity in the neck, legs, and face, and inability to move the feet properly.
• Can occur in Parkinson's disease, where it is usually a symptom of later stages, or due to medication-induced Parkinson's-like symptoms.

Dyskinesia:

• Refers to difficulty in movement, where a person has muscles that move involuntarily and unexpectedly.
• Can manifest as tremors, shaking, or spastic movements, which can appear like sudden jerking movements.
• Types of dyskinesia include Parkinson's dyskinesia, tremors, dystonia, chorea, tardive dyskinesia, myoclonus types, spasmodic torticollis, ballism, and athetosis.
• Can be caused by various factors, such as Parkinson's disease, medication side effects, or other neurological conditions.

In summary, akinesia is characterized by the absence of movement, while dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable muscle movement. Both symptoms can occur in Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions, but they represent different types of movement disorders.

Comparative Table: Akinesia vs Dyskinesia

Here is a table comparing akinesia and dyskinesia:

Both akinesia and dyskinesia are symptoms of neurological diseases, most notably Parkinson's disease. They involve difficulties in muscle movement and can be treated through medication adjustments, deep brain stimulation, and physical therapy.