Which symptom combination defines acute pseudoparkinsonism?

Which symptom combination defines acute pseudoparkinsonism?

• A. Acute akathisia
• B. Acute pseudo parkinsonism
• C. Adverse effects
• D. Pregnancy effects

Answer: (B)

Drug-induced parkinsonism comes from dopamine D2 receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, a common effect of antipsychotics. The key motor features are tremor (often resting tremor), rigidity, and slowness of movement (bradykinesia), sometimes with a masked face and a shuffling gait. When these parkinsonian signs appear acutely after starting or increasing a neuroleptic, they define acute pseudoparkinsonism. This pattern distinguishes it from akathisia, where the main issue is inner restlessness and a compulsion to move rather than tremor or rigidity.

Drug-induced parkinsonism comes from dopamine D2 receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, a common effect of antipsychotics. The key motor features are tremor (often resting tremor), rigidity, and slowness of movement (bradykinesia), sometimes with a masked face and a shuffling gait. When these parkinsonian signs appear acutely after starting or increasing a neuroleptic, they define acute pseudoparkinsonism. This pattern distinguishes it from akathisia, where the main issue is inner restlessness and a compulsion to move rather than tremor or rigidity.