Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
Record the highest severity observed for each item based on the AIMS examination procedure. Activation ratings (movements occurring only upon activation) are typically rated one level less than spontaneous movements, but follow standard AIMS scoring guidelines.
Facial and Oral Movements
Muscles of Facial Expression
e.g., movements of forehead, eyebrows, periorbital area, cheeks; include frowning, blinking, smiling, grimacing.
Lips and Perioral Area
e.g., puckering, pouting, smacking.
Jaw
e.g., biting, clenching, chewing, mouth opening, lateral movement.
Tongue
Rate only increases in movement both in and out of mouth. NOT inability to sustain movement. e.g., Darting in and out.
Extremity Movements
Upper (arms, wrists, hands, fingers)
Include choreic (rapid, irregular, spontaneous) & athetoid (slow, irregular, complex, serpentine) movements. DO NOT include tremor (repetitive, regular, rhythmic).
Lower (legs, knees, ankles, toes)
e.g., lateral knee movement, foot tapping, heel dropping, foot squirming, inversion/eversion of foot.
Trunk Movements
Neck, shoulders, hips
e.g., rocking, twisting, squirming, pelvic gyrations.
Global Judgments
Severity of abnormal movements (Overall Examiner Rating)
Incapacitation due to abnormal movements (Examiner Rating)
How much do the movements impact the patient’s daily functioning?
Patient’s awareness of abnormal movements (Rate only patient’s report)
Dental Status
Current problems with teeth and/or dentures?
Are dentures usually worn?
Edentia? (Missing teeth)
Do movements disappear in sleep? (Based on report)
Assessment Summary
No significant movements recorded yet.