This protocol addresses patients with Huntington's disease who develop akathisia — a syndrome characterised by unpleasant sensations of inner restlessness that manifests as an inability to sit still. Recognising and correctly attributing this symptom in the HD setting is a critical clinical step before any management is initiated.
Key consideration: In Huntington's disease, akathisia may arise as a direct consequence of medications used in the patient's existing treatment regimen. Identifying a potential iatrogenic origin is the clinical priority before any other intervention.
The first step in management focuses on reviewing current medications that are known to carry a risk of inducing akathisia in HD. Adjusting or reconsidering these agents — rather than adding new therapies — is the cornerstone of the initial approach. The full structured protocol specifies which medication classes to review and the recommended course of action.
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00710