extrapyramidaalioireet

Extrapyramidaalioireet, often abbreviated as EPS, refer to a group of involuntary movement disorders that can occur as a side effect of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics and some antiemetics. These symptoms arise from the disruption of dopamine pathways in the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that controls motor function. The term "extrapyramidal" refers to structures outside the direct corticospinal tract.

Commonly observed extrapyramidal symptoms include parkinsonism, characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), and postural instability. Dystonia, which involves painful muscle spasms and abnormal postures, is another significant EPS. Akathisia, a persistent feeling of restlessness and an inability to sit still, is also a frequent and distressing symptom. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a more serious and potentially irreversible EPS that typically emerges after prolonged use of causative medications, manifesting as involuntary, repetitive movements, often of the face, tongue, and limbs.

The incidence and severity of EPS vary depending on the specific drug, dosage, duration of treatment, and individual patient factors. Management strategies involve dose reduction, switching to a different medication with a lower EPS profile, or the co-administration of anticholinergic medications to counteract the dopamine blockade. Regular monitoring for EPS is crucial during treatment with these medications to ensure timely intervention and minimize patient discomfort and potential long-term complications.