Depending on the length of time taking certain medications, these disorders can become irreversible.
This article will discuss the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for tardive dyskinesia and dystonia.
While similar, tardive dyskinesia and dystonia are different conditions presenting with different symptoms.
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Symptoms may also occur in the trunk, arms, and legs.
These movements can be rapid, jerky, andtwitch-like, but sometimes they are slow and writhing as well.
This condition may persist even after medication is discontinued.
Dystonia
Dystonia describes involuntary muscular contractions that cause sustained and repeated motions or abnormal postures.
It may take months or years of taking these medications for symptoms of tardive dyskinesia to develop.
The antipsychotic drugs chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and perphenazine are used to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
They have all been significantly linked to causing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Treatment
Treatment for tardive dyskinesia usually begins with lowering medication dosage to see if symptoms decrease.
The protein VMAT2 controls transportation and release ofneurotransmittersfrom nerve cells to muscles.
Electrodes will be surgically implanted into your brain to send electrical impulses to help regulate muscle control.
Antipsychotic medications should only be prescribed if their use is clearly indicated and will benefit the patient.
If there is no benefit in taking an antipsychotic medication, the medication will be discontinued.
Summary
Tardive dyskinesia and dystonia are both movement disorders that result from taking antipsychotic medications.
Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements most commonly in areas of the face, eyes, and mouth.
Its important that your doctor supervises you regularly while you are taking this medication to screen for movement abnormalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antipsychotic medication and dopamine receptor blockers increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia and dystonia are separate diagnoses.
While one condition typically does not lead to another, both conditions can overlap and occur together.
Due to the increase in muscle activation and development of contractures and abnormal posture, dystonia often causes pain.
2014;(198):13-19. doi:10.1111/ane.12231
