Hypomimia

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Hypomimia (pronounced: hypo-mim-ia) is a medical term that refers to a reduction in the expressiveness of the face, often associated with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.

Etymology

The term Hypomimia is derived from the Greek words 'hypo' meaning 'under' or 'less than normal' and 'mimia' meaning 'mimicry' or 'imitation'.

Definition

Hypomimia, also known as facial masking, is a decreased degree of facial expressiveness. It is often characterized by a lack of spontaneous blinking, a fixed gaze, and a reduced ability to express emotions through facial expressions.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hypomimia is a reduced ability to make facial expressions. This can make it difficult for others to read the person's emotions or reactions. Other symptoms may include a decreased blink rate, a fixed or staring gaze, and difficulty moving the facial muscles.

Causes

Hypomimia is most commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, but it can also occur in other neurological conditions such as Huntington's disease, Wilson's disease, and certain forms of dystonia. It is thought to be caused by a disruption in the neural pathways that control facial expressions.

Treatment

Treatment for hypomimia typically involves managing the underlying condition. This may include medication, physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation.

Related Terms

External links

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