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.
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