Bradykinesia encompasses slowness of movement, while hypokinesia refers to reduced amplitude or range of motion. They often occur together, particularly in conditions like Parkinson's disease.
To clarify the nuances, consider these points:
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Bradykinesia: This specifically describes the slowness in initiating and executing movement. It's a reduction in the speed of movement.
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Hypokinesia: This refers to a decrease in movement generally. It is characterized by movements that are small in amplitude or involve reduced range.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Bradykinesia | Hypokinesia |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Slowness of movement | Reduced amplitude or range of movement |
| Characteristic | Reduced speed | Reduced size/extent |
| Example | Taking a long time to button a shirt | Writing with very small letters |
In essence, think of bradykinesia as moving slowly, and hypokinesia as moving less. While often present together, they are distinct aspects of motor dysfunction. Akinesia, the inability to initiate movement, is another related term, often grouped with bradykinesia and hypokinesia.
