American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes spastic contractions of discrete muscle groups, such as those found in the neck or tongue, is acute dystonia. Acute dystonia refers to sustained muscle contractions that can occur suddenly and often affect specific muscle groups, causing abnormal postures or movements. This phenomenon can manifest in various forms, including torticollis (neck) and oromandibular dystonia (tongue), which represent the spastic contraction of those muscle groups.

Acute dystonia typically arises as a side effect of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, and can be distressing for patients. It is important to recognize this condition as it may require immediate intervention, such as administration of anticholinergic medications.

In contrast, other terms listed refer to different movement disorders. Tardive dyskinesia involves repetitive, involuntary movements typically occurring after long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Akathisia denotes a state of inner restlessness and the compelling need to be in constant motion, rather than muscle spasms. Blepharospasm specifically describes involuntary eyelid spasms, which do not encompass the broader range of discrete muscle groups mentioned in the question. Understanding these distinctions helps clinicians provide appropriate treatment for movement disorders