What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cerebral Akinetopsia
• Motion Blindness

What is Akinetopsia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Akinetopsia is described as a neuropsychological disorder in which an individual is unable to detect motion within their visual field. This can pose problems in a variety of ways such as while cooking, watching television, or playing a sport
• It is an acquired visual processing disorder that develops from damage to the middle temporal region of the brain. Causative factors include brain injury, use of certain medications, and Alzheimer’s disease
• Based on the severity of the condition, Akinetopsia is classified into types:
  • Inconspicuous Akinetopsia: It is the less severe form that is experienced by most affected individuals. The individuals perceive motion like in a multiple exposure photograph
  • Gross Akinetopsia: It is an extremely rare but severe form in which the individual experiences complete Motion Blindness
• Akinetopsia is a very rare disorder without any suitable treatment or cure. The overall outcomes depend on the magnitude (severity) of the condition; most individuals manage Akinetopsia through an enhanced development of their sense of hearing (thus, relying less on their vision)

Who gets Akinetopsia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Very few cases of Akinetopsia have been documented in the medical history
• Individuals of any age group and both male and female gender may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity may develop the condition

What are the Risk Factors for Akinetopsia? (Predisposing Factors)

The predisposing factors for Akinetopsia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain tumors
• Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD)
• Post-concussive syndrome (PCS)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that inadvertently induces Akinetopsia
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Use of certain antidepressants (usually high-dose)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Akinetopsia? (Etiology)

• Akinetopsia is an acquired disorder that develops following an injury to a certain region of the brain that is responsible for visual motion processing
• It is believed that the specific region of the brain that is damaged is the middle temporal visual area (V5/MT), which processes visuospatial motion information
• The factors that cause the condition (damage to brain) may include brain lesions, medication side effects, trauma to the brain, among others

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Akinetopsia?

The signs and symptoms of Akinetopsia may differ from one individual to another, depending on the degree of severity of the condition.

• Stationary objects are visible, but moving objects are not perceived
• A random jumping of objects from one place to another, such as observed on old cinema reels, is what is seen by the affected individual (like a stroboscopic effect)
• Sometimes, a visual trailing is observed (termed palinopsia) i.e., a persistent recurrence of the visual image after stimulus is ceased
• In very severe cases, absolutely no motion is sensed (complete blindness of motion)
• No damage to the eye or eye structures is visibly seen

Associated signs and symptoms of the underlying condition/disorder may also be observed.

How is Akinetopsia Diagnosed?

• Akinetopsia is diagnosed through physical exams and medical history evaluations (including seeking information about any trauma, use of medications, or other conditions)
• Neurological, motor skills, and cognitive assessment tests are not known to be necessary
• Imaging studies including CT and MRI scans of the head and neck region may be undertaken based on the healthcare provider’s evaluation, in order to rule out other conditions

Additional tests and procedures to diagnose the underlying causative condition may be needed.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Akinetopsia?

The complications of Akinetopsia may include:

• Severe emotional stress
• Difficulty in performing simple day to day tasks 
• Difficulty in following conversations (lip movements are not perceived)
• Inability to walk on streets and roads; unable to cross the streets/roads
• Inability to participate in outdoor or sports activities
• Decreased quality of life

Complications arising from the underlying/associated condition, if any, may be noted.

How is Akinetopsia Treated?

Currently, managing Akinetopsia is challenging, since there are no suitable treatments (such as medications) available for the same.

• Undertaking appropriate treatment of any associated brain (health) conditions may be beneficial in some
• Individuals often learn to cope with the condition through practice and by developing a heightened sense of hearing and other senses

How can Akinetopsia be Prevented?

Presently, it may not be possible to prevent Akinetopsia. However, the following factors may help lower one’s risk for acquiring the same:

• Undertaking prompt diagnosis and treatment of any brain disorder, including brain tumor
• Avoiding the use of recreational drugs
• Wearing helmets and safety gear while participating in sports or while driving to prevent head injury

What is the Prognosis of Akinetopsia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The overall prognosis of Akinetopsia depends on the severity of the condition, which may vary from one individual to another.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Akinetopsia:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/