Drug-induced parkinsonism

Bradykinesia, rigidity, masked facies, resting tremor, reduced arm swing after antipsychotics or dopamine blockers

UrgentReview due

Compare (6)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 3
Core tests: 1
Immediate actions: 5
Related differentials: 5

Safety snapshot

Watch forFallsaspirationsevere functional decline

Presentation hinge

Subjective inner restlessness is the key feature, often with observable motor restlessness.

Separates the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group. It is not specific to Drug-induced parkinsonism.

Points for this presentation

Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group — not specific to Drug-induced parkinsonism

One of the most commonly missed and most distressing psychiatric side effects
Bilateral onset after medication strongly suggests drug-induced parkinsonism
Dramatic but very treatable once recognised
Not every restless movement is akathisia; tardive phenomenology is different

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group — not specific to Drug-induced parkinsonism

Why it fits

Bradykinesia, rigidity, masked facies, resting tremor, reduced arm swing after antipsychotics or dopamine blockers

Key features

Must-not-miss

Falls, aspiration, severe functional decline.

High-risk causes3 causes

Falls
aspiration
severe functional decline

Bedside question

Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group.

Subjective inner restlessness is the key feature, often with observable motor restlessness.

Helpful clues

Immediate action

Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group.

One of the most commonly missed and most distressing psychiatric side effects Bilateral onset after medication strongly suggests drug-induced parkinsonism Dramatic but very treatable once recognised Not every restless movement is akathisia; tardive phenomenology is different Tremor type and context usually solve the differential

Priority steps5 steps

1One of the most commonly missed and most distressing psychiatric side effects
2Bilateral onset after medication strongly suggests drug-induced parkinsonism
3Dramatic but very treatable once recognised
4Not every restless movement is akathisia; tardive phenomenology is different
5Tremor type and context usually solve the differential

Investigations

Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group.

Thyroid function tests

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Akathisia / EPSE / Tremor / Sedation group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.