OBJECTIVES: Akathisia is a clinical important symptom, frequently induced by neuroleptic treatment. Despite its clinical importance, less is known about its pathophysiology.
METHODS: Using [18]-FDG-PET, imaging patterns of cortical metabolic activity were obtained in a patient during olanzapine-induced akathisia and after recovery.
RESULTS: Akathisia was characterized by a reduced metabolic activity in thalamus and cerebellum. After discontinuing medication akathisia disappeared, reflected by a recovery of metabolic activity in these brain areas.
CONCLUSION: [18]-FDG-PET may be useful to identify cortical regions mediating clinical aspects of drug-induced akathisia, thereby offering a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of this serious side effect.
ISSN: 0172-780X |
ISSN-L: 0172-780X |
eISSN 2354-4716
www.nel.edu Editor-in-Chief: Peter G. Fedor-Freybergh
www.nel.edu Editor-in-Chief: Peter G. Fedor-Freybergh