Bradykinesia in minimal hepatic encephalopathy is due to disturbances in movement initiation.

Background: One of the predominant symptoms of early stages of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is bradykinesia.

Aims: To further analyze the pathophysiology of bradykinesia in HE.

Methods: A three-dimensional computer-assisted movement analysis was performed in 36 cirrhotics with grade 0-I HE compared to 18 controls selected with regard to sex and age and 16 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).