Akathisia in Parkinson's Disease

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 14(1); 1996 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1996;14(1): 176-184.

파킨슨씨병에서의 정좌불능증

이원용, 전범석*

삼성의료원 신경과, 서울대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실*

Akathisia in Parkinson's Disease

Won Yong Lee, M.D. and Beom S. Jeon, M.D.*

Department of neurology, Samsung Medical center and Seoul National University Hospital*

Abstract

Background: Akathisia is defined as inner feeling or restlessness and can be associated with restless movement. It is a frequent and disabling complication of neuroleptics and was reportedly common in postencephalitic parkinsonism. Akathisia has been reported and appears to be common in Parkinson's disease(PD) . Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical features of akathisia and dexamine the relationship between presence of akathisia and various clinical parameters of PD, Method: we evaluated 137 PD patients from movement disorder clinics in Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital, using a modified akathisia questionnare. We compared two groups between those with akathisia and those without akathisia. We analysed the pattern, location and chronology of akathisia, and the correlation between akathisia and clinical parameters of PD.
Results: 1. Of the 137 patients (76 women, 61 men), 43(22 women, 21 men) (31.4%) had akathisia. 2. Patients with akathisia had more advanced disease than those without akathisia as determined by Hoehn and Yahr stage (p<0.05) . 3. Patients with akathisia were more often akinetic-rigid than tremor predominent (p<0.05) . 4. Patients with akathisia were more frequently treated with levodopa than those without akathisia (p<0.05) . 5. There was no difference between two groups for age, sex or disease duration(p<0.05) . 6. Of the 43 patients with akathisia, 35 patients had motor restlessness and 27 patients had associated sensory complaints. 7. The whole body or legs were most frequently affected. 8. Akathisic symptoms occurred irregularly and mainly in the afternoon. 9. Nineteen patients had difficulty in their jobs due to akathisia.
Conclusion: Akathisia is a common problem in PD especially in severe akinetic-rigid form. It can be the main cause of disability in PD. Recognition and proper management are needed.