Knowra Extrapyramidal symptoms Extrapyramidal symptoms Extrapyramidal symptoms are drug-induced movement disorders, especially dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, often associated with dopamine-blocking medicines.
Dopamine : A neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, reward, and several other brain functions. Dopamine blockade in motor pathways is a common mechanism behind these medication-related movement disorders.
Drug-induced parkinsonism : A parkinsonian syndrome caused by medicines that interfere with dopamine signaling, typically producing slowness and rigidity. It is a common extrapyramidal presentation and can resemble Parkinson disease.
Benztropine : An anticholinergic medication used to treat some forms of parkinsonism and acute dystonia. It may relieve acute dystonia or drug-induced parkinsonism, but can worsen tardive dyskinesia.
Parkinson disease : A progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by loss of dopamine-producing neurons and characteristic motor symptoms. Drug-induced parkinsonism can mimic it, but medication exposure rather than neurodegeneration is the cause.
Nigrostriatal pathway : A dopamine-producing neural pathway from the substantia nigra to the striatum that helps regulate movement. Blocking dopamine signaling here can produce parkinsonism and other motor effects.
Acute dystonic reaction : A sudden episode of involuntary muscle contractions, often caused by dopamine-blocking medication. This urgent form can involve the neck, jaw, eyes, or, rarely, breathing muscles.
Diphenhydramine : An antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, also used to treat acute dystonic reactions. Its rapid use in acute dystonia illustrates treatment of an immediate medication adverse effect.
Restless legs syndrome : A neurological disorder causing an urge to move the legs, usually with uncomfortable sensations and worsening at rest. It can resemble akathisia, but typically centers on leg sensations and evening or nighttime symptoms.
Dopamine receptor antagonist : A drug that reduces signaling by blocking one or more dopamine receptors. Many antipsychotics and antiemetics trigger symptoms through dopamine-receptor blockade.
Neuroleptic-induced akathisia : Akathisia caused by antipsychotic or other dopamine-blocking medication. The medication link can help distinguish it from anxiety or agitation due to illness.
Show all 23