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How Is Tardive Dyskinesia Diagnosed?

Tardive dyskinesia symptoms may come and go and may not be completely present during your first visit with the doctor for a diagnosis, so this may complicate the process. It will help your doctor diagnose you more accurately if you are prepared to answer questions about your entire medical history. A physical exam and neuropsychological evaluation will be performed by your doctor and possibly other physicians may be involved to offer other opinions.

The diagnostic stage is the most important of all the steps involved in your medical treatment. Not only does the diagnostic stage determine your illness, it also helps physicians map out your treatment plan. Your doctor will run several tests to rule out other disorders or possible causes for your symptoms such as pathogens, environmental toxins or genetics.

Tests Your Doctor Will Order

The AIMS Test

In addition to ordering tests, your doctor will most likely use an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) test to aid in diagnosing your symptoms. The test was designed in the 1970's to measure symptoms of involuntary muscle movement associated with tardive dyskinesia. The AIMS test helps physicians determine whether or not your movements are involuntary and the severity of the movements. If you have used Reglan® in the past or are still taking it and have symptoms associated with tardive dyskinesia, it is encouraged that you discuss with your physician the possibility of AIMS testing.

The AIMS test is a simple, non-invasive test that takes only ten minutes to administer and has a total of twelve items rating involuntary movements. The items are rated on a five-point scale of severity from 0-4:

During the test, the patient must be calm (to elicit movements) and sitting in an armless chair with nothing in his or her mouth. The physician will ask the patient specific questions that may or may not elicit abnormal involuntary movements and this helps him or her determine if the patient is suffering from tardive dyskinesia. Your doctor will also be looking for abnormal movement before beginning the questioning.

What To Expect During The AIMS Test

  1. The doctor will ask the patient about the condition of his or her teeth or dentures.
  2. The doctor will ask the patient if he or she is feeling any tooth or denture pain.
  3. The doctor will ask the patient if he or she noticed any unusual movements of the mouth, face, hands or feet.
  4. If the patient has noticed unusual mouth, face, hands or feet movements, the doctor will ask if they annoy the patient or interfere with daily activities.
  5. The doctor instructs the patient to sit with feet flat on the floor and the knees separated with hands on them to observe any movements.
  6. The patient is asked to open his or her mouth and stick out the tongue twice. The face and legs are observed for abnormal movements during this step.
  7. The patient is asked to tap his or her thumb with each finger rapidly for 10-15 seconds using the right hand first and then the left. The face and legs are observed for abnormal movements.
  8. The patient will be asked to bend and extend one arm at a time.
  9. The patient is asked to stand so the entire body can be observed for movements.
  10. The patient will be asked to straighten both arms in front of the body with palms facing down so that the doctor can observe the trunk, legs and mouth for movements.
  11. The patient is then asked to walk a few steps so that the gait and hands can be observed.
  12. The patient is asked to repeat step 11 so that the doctor can observe the gait and hands again.

Read about: Treating Tardive Dyskinesia »

If you need assistance or have any questions about the AIMS test, call us at 1-800-214-1600 for a FREE consultation or fill out the form.