Akathisia

Classification according to ICD-10
G25.8	Other specified extrapyramidal and movement disorders
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

With akathisia , even tasikinesia or seat restlessness called a will extrapyramidal hyperkinesia referred to in a general motor restlessness - expressed - to be able to sit still through to disability. It is counted among the dyskinesias . The urge triggered by medication (especially neuroleptics ) or Parkinson's disease leads to periodic movements, which are only able to relieve the symptoms of the disorder for a short time. The term was coined in 1901 by the Czech neuropsychiatrist Ladislav Haškovec (1866–1944).

Symptoms

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Typical movement disorders such as "scurrying" and motor restlessness in a patient suffering from akathisia (note the urge to eat while standing instead of sitting).

Akathisia manifests itself subjectively in an inner restlessness and an indomitable need to move. This prevents patients from maintaining a posture for long periods of time. Sitting or standing positions are particularly affected. As the disease progresses, sitting, standing, lying, or sleeping becomes impossible. Instead, repetitive movements are carried out with hands or feet or the facial muscles , which can only briefly satisfy the need for movement. Further relief acts are walking around, scuffling, alternating legs, constant shifting of weight, etc.

root cause

Akathisia can occur especially as a side effect of the administration of neuroleptics . It can also be the result of a neurological disease, especially in the early stages of Parkinson's disease .

A distinction is made between an acute , chronic and tardive form. A pseudoacathisia is present if the patient does not subjectively experience any complaints despite the corresponding symptoms .

treatment

Acute akathisia can usually be treated with beta blockers . A reduction in the neuroleptic doses that may trigger the disease can also improve the symptoms, if the neuroleptic cannot be completely dispensed with. The additional administration of an anticholinergic such as B. Biperiden is also used in practice and often brings good results. The tardive form is very difficult to treat, so prophylaxis plays a major role here: long-term neuroleptics - therapies must be carefully planned.

etymology

Akathisia is derived from the ancient Greek verb καθίζειν kathízein "to sit down", "sit", which is preceded by an alpha privativum that reverses the meaning . Akathisia literally means the inability to sit .

See also

• Restless legs syndrome for similar symptoms

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Martin Brüne, Perminder S. Sachdev: Ladislav Haskovec and 100 Years of akathisia. In: American Journal of Psychiatry. 159, 2002, p. 727, doi : 10.1176 / appi.ajp.159.5.727 .
2. ↑ Pavel Mohr, Jan Volavka: Ladislav Haskovec and akathisia: 100th anniversary. In: British Journal of Psychiatry. 181, 2002, p. 537, doi : 10.1192 / bjp.181.6.537-a .
3. ^ Wilhelm Gemoll: Greek-German school and hand dictionary. Munich / Vienna 1965.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !