Akathisia

Called with akathisia, also tasikinesia seat or restlessness, extrapyramidal hyperkinesia one is called, in a general motor restlessness - right down to inability to sit still - expresses. It is counted among the dyskinesias. The by drugs (especially antipsychotics ) or Parkinson's disease triggered urge leads to periodic motions, which, however, are able to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder only briefly. The term was coined in 1901 by the Czech neuropsychiatrist Ladislav Haskovec ( 1866-1944 ).

Symptoms

The Akathisia manifests itself subjectively in an inner restlessness and a bezwingbaren not need to move. This prevents, that the patient can maintain a posture for a long time. In particular, sitting or standing positions are affected. With progression of the disease is to sit still, stand, lie or sleep impossible. Instead, repetitive motions with hands or feet or facial muscles are executed, which can satisfy the need for exercise but only briefly. More relief actions are walking around, toddling, alternating legs crosses, constant weight shifting, etc.

Cause

Akathisia may occur especially as a side effect in patients receiving neuroleptics ( ICD10 code G21.1 ). Further, it may be the result of a neurological disease, particularly in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.

A distinction is an acute, chronic and tardive form. A Pseudoakathisie is when the patient subjectively felt symptoms despite appropriate no complaints.

Treatment

An acute akathisia can be usually treated with beta-blockers. A reduction of acting as possibly triggering neuroleptic doses may improve the symptoms if it can not be entirely dispensed with neuroleptics. The addition of an anticholinergic is also applied in practice and often brings good results. The tardive form is very difficult to treat, so the prophylaxis plays an important role here: prolonged neuroleptic therapies must be carefully planned.

Etymology

Akathisia is derived from the ancient Greek verb καθίζειν kathízein " sit ", " sitting " from which a reversal of the importance Alpha privative is to be sent. Literally, akathisia ie the inability to sit.