What are the Extrapyramidal Symptoms?
September 6, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of movement disorders and side effects that can occur as a result of taking certain medications, particularly antipsychotic medications, which are commonly used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. These symptoms are often associated with the dysfunction of the extrapyramidal system in the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating motor functions.
- The main types of extrapyramidal symptoms include:
- Dystonia: Dystonia is characterized by sustained muscle contractions that lead to abnormal postures or repetitive movements. It can affect various parts of the body, such as the neck (cervical dystonia or torticollis), face (oromandibular dystonia), or limbs. Dystonia can be painful and interfere with normal motor function.
- Akathisia: Akathisia is a state of inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. Individuals with akathisia may feel a strong need to move their legs or other parts of their body to alleviate discomfort. This can be distressing and may lead to difficulty in staying still.
- Parkinsonism: Parkinsonism refers to symptoms that resemble those seen in Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and a shuffling gait. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s motor coordination and can make daily activities challenging.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary, and abnormal movements of the face, tongue, lips, and sometimes other body parts. These movements may include lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and grimacing.
It’s important to note that extrapyramidal symptoms are more commonly associated with first-generation or typical antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine. However, they can also occur with some second-generation or atypical antipsychotic medications, although they are less likely to do so. The risk of developing these symptoms varies from person to person and may depend on factors like the type and dosage of the medication, the individual’s age, and their susceptibility to EPS.
Management of extrapyramidal symptoms often involves adjusting the medication regimen, reducing the dosage, or switching to a different antipsychotic medication that has a lower risk of causing these side effects. In some cases, anticholinergic medications or other medications may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. If you are experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms or have concerns about your medication, it’s essential to discuss them with a healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or mental health professional for appropriate evaluation and management.