Extrapyramidal syndrome is a movement disorder caused by damage to the extrapyramidal tract, often caused by psychiatric drugs. Patients may need mobility aids, physical therapy, and medication. It is important to communicate with a doctor about side effects when taking psychiatric medications.
Extrapyramidal syndrome is a movement disorder caused by damage to the extrapyramidal tract, a network of nerves that control movement. Patients with this condition can have a variety of symptoms, including jerking, difficulty walking, and an inability to sit or stand still. The cause is usually a drug that interferes with dopamine in the brain, but it can also be the result of brain damage. When patients exhibit symptoms, a doctor may perform a thorough neurological exam to learn more about the patient’s case and explore possible causes.
The leading cause of extrapyramidal syndrome is psychiatric drugs. Antipsychotic drugs and some drugs used to treat depression commonly cause extrapyramidal symptoms. Patients taking dopamine blockers can also develop this condition. Stopping the drug can help, but sometimes the effects are permanent or take a long time to wear off. Patients taking psychiatric medications should be vigilant for early symptoms so they can report them to a doctor as soon as possible.
Another potential cause of extrapyramidal syndrome is a brain injury involving the extrapyramidal tract. Some forms of cerebral palsy can involve this area of the brain and it can also be damaged by injury from brain tumors and degenerative neurological diseases. In this case, medical imaging of the brain may show signs of the physical damage. This can allow your doctor to pinpoint the cause and determine the best treatment option. In this case the goal is to stop further damage and it may not be possible to repair the existing damage.
Patients with extrapyramidal syndrome may have trouble with basic activities and may need support when walking in the form of a cane, walker, or other mobility aid. Physical therapy can sometimes help patients with problems such as hand tremors that interfere with motor skills. Devices such as jar openers, large tools, and so on can also help the patient adjust to tremors or involuntary jerks that make it difficult to dial a telephone or use a computer. Some patients may also benefit from medications.
The risk of developing extrapyramidal syndrome is a consideration patients should think about when starting psychiatric medications. The benefits of the drug may outweigh the risks of side effects, especially if the patient and doctor work together to slowly adjust the drug to find the most appropriate dose. It is important to stay in communication with a doctor while taking such medications to discuss the development of side effects and how best to deal with them.
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