Propranolol-responsive akathisia following acute encephalitis

Abstract Objective The objective of this case report is to highlight the possibility of akathisia in any patient who has recently recovered from encephalitis and now presents with motor restlessness. Methods We describe a 15-year-old boy presenting with the onset of abnormal and excessive motor rest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:General hospital psychiatry 2007-05, Vol.29 (3), p.273-274
Main Authors: Goyal, Rakesh, M.D, Chandrasekaran, R., M.D, Nanda, M. Rajiv, M.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Akathisia
Anti-Anxiety Agents - therapeutic use
Anticonvulsants. Antiepileptics. Antiparkinson agents
Biological and medical sciences
Encephalitis - complications
Encephalitis - diagnostic imaging
Encephalitis - psychology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Neuropharmacology
Neuropsychological Tests
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Postencephalitic
Propranolol
Propranolol - therapeutic use
Psychiatry
Psychomotor Agitation - complications
Psychomotor Agitation - diagnosis
Psychomotor Agitation - drug therapy
Radiography
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Summary:Abstract Objective The objective of this case report is to highlight the possibility of akathisia in any patient who has recently recovered from encephalitis and now presents with motor restlessness. Methods We describe a 15-year-old boy presenting with the onset of abnormal and excessive motor restlessness following successful resolution of encephalitis. After thorough investigations and repeated psychiatric examinaton patient was diagnosed as suffering from postencephalitic akathisia. Results Thioridazine proved of no help. Patient achieved near complete recovery after treatment with propanolol within 2 weeks. Conclusion Clinician should keep in mind that akathisia can have various etiologies and encephalitis may be the one of them. Propanolol is quite effective in patients with postencephalitic akathisia.
ISSN:0163-8343
1873-7714
DOI:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2007.01.009