PART 3 / CH 59
Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
Have patient sit in chair with hands on knees, legs slightly apart, and feet flat on floor.
(Look at entire body for movements while in this position)
0
1
2
3
4
Ask patient to sit with ands hanging unsupported. If male, between legs; if female and wearing a dress, hanging over knees.
(Observe hands and other body areas).
0
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2
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4
Ask patient to open mouth. (Observe tongue at rest within mouth.)
Do this twice.
0
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3
4
Ask patient to protrude tongue. Observe abnormalities of tongue movement. Do this twice.
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4
Ask the patient to tap thumb, with each finger, as rapidly as possible for 10 to 15 seconds: separately with right hand, then with left hand. (Observe facial and leg movements.)
0
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4
Flex and extend patient’s left and right arms.
0
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4
Ask patient to stand up.
(Observe in profile. Observe all body areas again, hips included.)
0
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4
Ask patient to extend both arms outstretched in front with palms down. (Observe trunk, legs, and mouth.)
0
1
2
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4
Have patient to walk a few paces, turn, and walk back to chair. (Observe hands and gait.) Do this twice.
0
1
2
3
4
Instructions for AIMS test:
· Document the patient’s name, date of exam, and the name of the examiner.
· Either before or after completing the examination, observe the patient unobtrusively at rest.
· The chair to be used in this exam should be a hard, firm one without arms.
· After observing the patient, rate him or her on a scale of 0 (none), 1 (minimal), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), and 4 (severe) according to the severity of the symptoms.
· Ask the patient whether there is anything in his or her mouth (i.e., gum, candy, etc.) and, if so, to remove it.
· Ask the patient about the current condition of his or her teeth. Ask patient if he or she wears dentures. Do teeth or dentures bother patient now?
· Ask patient whether he or she notices any movement in mouth, face, hands, or feet. If yes, ask patient to describe and indicate to what extent they currently bother patient or interfere with his or her activities.
· This test should be performed every 6 months in patients on neuroleptics.