Haloperidol-induced painless legs and moving toe syndrome in a schizophrenia patient: a case report

Abstract

Painless legs and moving toe syndrome (PoLMT) is a rare syndrome characterized by involuntary movements of the toe without pain. The exact etiology of the patient's PoLMT is unknown. We present a case of PoLMT in 45-year-old woman with a history of haloperidol intake for 10 months. Haloperidol was discontinued, and aripiprazole (15 mg) was initiated. After this switch, a reduction in movement was observed in the third and fourth toes; however, the second toe showed no discernible change.

Plain language summary

Painless Legs and Moving Toe Syndrome (PoLMT) is a rare condition in which the toe moves on its own without any pain. No one knows for sure what causes PoLMT in patients. In this case report, we discuss a 45-year-old woman with PoLMT who was taking a drug called haloperidol for 10 months prior to their visit to hospital. Another drug, aripiprazole, was started after haloperidol was stopped. It was noticed that the third and fourth toes moved less after this switch in medication, but no change was noticed in the second toe.

Summary points

• PoLMT is a rare condition characterized by continuous and involuntary toe movements that occur without pain.

• It is hypothesized that PoLMT might be a rare side effect of the patient's antipsychotic treatment since she had been on haloperidol 5–10 mg daily for 10 months prior to presentation. Tab. haloperidol 10 mg, which can decrease dopamine levels and may lead to movement disorders.

• Following a two-week discontinuation of Tab. haloperidol, we observed a modest improvement in PoLMT.

Keywords: :

• haloperidol
• painless legs
• tardive dyskinesia

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained verbal and written informed consent from the patient/patients for the inclusion of their medical and treatment history within this case report.