AIMS
Pronunciation: AIMS
Also written as: AIMS — Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, a standardized rating scale used to detect and monitor movement disorders.
Full Definition
The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is a standardized 12-item clinical assessment tool used to detect and monitor abnormal involuntary movements, particularly tardive dyskinesia associated with antipsychotic medications. The scale evaluates facial and oral movements, extremity movements, and trunk movements, with each item rated from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). The AIMS also includes global judgments about the patient's awareness of movements and their impact on daily functioning. Regular AIMS assessments are considered standard practice for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy to enable early detection of movement disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Essential tool for monitoring antipsychotic-induced movement disorders.
In Context
- "The AIMS examination revealed mild oral-facial dyskinesia after two years of antipsychotic treatment." — Clinical monitoring note
- "Hospital policy requires quarterly AIMS assessments for all patients on typical antipsychotics." — Quality assurance protocol