The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is a method for evaluating a patient for dyskinesias related to antipsychotic medication. This can be used to monitor a patient over time. It was developed by the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Examination procedure: 12 items
In addition, the patient should be observed unobtrusively either before or after the examination procedure for:
(1) facial and oral movements
(2) extremity movements
(3) trunk movements
(4) dental status
(5) overall global assessment of severity, incapacity and patient awareness
Rate the highest severity of a movement observed.
|
Rating for Movements |
Points if Spontaneous |
Points if with Activation |
|
none |
0 |
0 |
|
minimal |
1 |
0 |
|
mild |
2 |
1 |
|
moderate |
3 |
2 |
|
severe |
4 |
3 |
|
Rating for Patient Awareness |
Points |
|
no awareness |
0 |
|
aware, no distress |
1 |
|
aware, mild distress |
2 |
|
aware, moderate distress |
3 |
|
aware severe distress |
4 |
|
Rating for Dental Status |
Points |
|
no |
0 |
|
yes |
1 |
abnormal involuntary movement scale (AIMS) =
= SUM(points for all observations)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 42 (40 for abnormal movements)
• The higher the score, the more abnormal the involuntary movements.
Specialty: Psychiatry
ICD-10: ,
