Which symptom is most characteristic of akathisia?

Which symptom is most characteristic of akathisia?

• A. Pill-rolling tremor
• B. Cogwheel rigidity
• C. Motor restlessness with pacing
• D. Bradykinesia

Answer: (C)

Akathisia is defined by a subjective sense of inner restlessness and an ongoing urge to move. The most characteristic outward sign of this urge is motor restlessness with pacing—people can't sit still and will pace, shift weight, tap their feet, or fidget as they try to relieve the uncomfortable feeling. This sets akathisia apart from other extrapyramidal symptoms. A pill-rolling tremor is the resting tremor you see with Parkinsonian syndromes, cogwheel rigidity is the ratchety resistance felt when the limb is moved, and bradykinesia is a slowing of movement. None of these capture the urgent need to move that defines akathisia, making motor restlessness with pacing the best descriptor.

Akathisia is defined by a subjective sense of inner restlessness and an ongoing urge to move. The most characteristic outward sign of this urge is motor restlessness with pacing—people can't sit still and will pace, shift weight, tap their feet, or fidget as they try to relieve the uncomfortable feeling.

This sets akathisia apart from other extrapyramidal symptoms. A pill-rolling tremor is the resting tremor you see with Parkinsonian syndromes, cogwheel rigidity is the ratchety resistance felt when the limb is moved, and bradykinesia is a slowing of movement. None of these capture the urgent need to move that defines akathisia, making motor restlessness with pacing the best descriptor.