title: Neurology issues in schizophrenia.
abstract: Schizophrenia ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide. The presence of neurological signs co-occurring with the psychiatric symptoms is indicative of an organic brain pathology. In the present article, we review the current literature on neurology issues in schizophrenia. Firstly, common neurological signs found in patients with schizophrenia (neurological soft signs and smell abnormalities) and their association with imaging findings are reviewed. Secondly, the significant association of schizophrenia with epilepsy and stroke is described as well as the absent association with other organic brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Thirdly, we discuss the potential role of NMDA receptor antibodies in schizophrenia. Fourthly, neurological side effects of antipsychotic drugs and their treatment are reviewed; and lastly, we discuss neurocognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia and their treatment. The focus of the review remains on articles with relevance to the clinician.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria, katharina.huefner@uki.at.
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hüfner
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Frajo-Apor
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hofer
mesh_terms: D060426:Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / Q000150:complications*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D059906:Neuroimaging; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000276:immunology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D012903:Smell; D020521:Stroke / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate