---
title: "Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)"
url: https://mghmclean.org/residents/handbk/part2c/aims.htm
description: "Have patient sit in chair with hands on knees, legs slightly apart, and feet flat on floor."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
---

# Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)

Published 2026-08-10

PART 3 / CH 59

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)

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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).

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4

Ask patient to open mouth. (Observe tongue at rest within mouth.)

Do this twice.

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Ask patient to protrude tongue. Observe abnormalities of tongue movement. Do this twice.

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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.)

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Flex and extend patient’s left and right arms.

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Ask patient to stand up.

(Observe in profile. Observe all body areas again, hips included.)

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Ask patient to extend both arms outstretched in front with palms down. (Observe trunk, legs, and mouth.)

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Have patient to walk a few paces, turn, and walk back to chair. (Observe hands and gait.) Do this twice.

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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.