Abnormal involuntary movements AIMs

Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), manifest mainly as dyskinesias at the peak plasma level of dopa. 

As mentioned above, l-DOPA treatment of PD often causes debilitating involuntary movements, termed L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia which in rodent is called as abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs). AIMs involve the activation of the Ras extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERKl/2) mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Lovastatin, a specific inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, prevents Ras isoprenylation activity and subsequently phosphorylation of ERKl/2 (pERKl/2) (Schuster et al., 2008). It is suggested that lovastatin treatment before l-DOPA exposure reduces AIM incidence and severity of PD in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model suggesting that lovastatin may represent... 

Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS). Akathisia is commonly monitored by the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS). The emergence of dyskinesias (writhing or involuntary movements) could represent the emergence of TD. Monitor for TD at least annually, and if FGAs are used patients should be evaluated at each visit. The most commonly used instrument to measure these symptoms is the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). 

The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and the Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale (DISCUS) should be used to screen (at baseline and at least quarterly) and can facilitate early detection of TD, but neither scale is diagnostic. 

It is recommended that neurological side effects be monitored carefully throughout the course of antipsychotic treatment. Rating scales can assist in monitoring for EPS and the involuntary movements seen in tardive dyskinesia. These include the Neurological Rating Scale (Simpson and Angus, 1970), the Barnes Akathisia Scale (Barnes, 1989), and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale ([AIMS] National Institute of Mental Health, 1985). 

National Institute for Mental Health. (1985) Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Psychopharmacol Bull 21 1077—1080. 

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements such as grimacing, rapid eye blinking, and lip smacking. TD is a potentially irreversible side effect experienced by an estimated 25 % of patients treated longterm with FGAs [103]. Presence of TD is most commonly defined using the Schooler and Kane criteria [104], while severity of TD is most commonly measured using the abnormal involuntary movement scale score (AIMS) [105],... 

ACT active community treatment AIMS abnormal involuntary movement scale ANC absolute neutrophil count BLM buccolingual-masticatory (syndrome)... 

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