Tardive dyskinesia – Symptoms, causes, and management options
Tardive Dyskinesia, or TD is a neurological disorder that causes repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. Facial movements like lip-smacking and rapid blinking can be distressing and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. The side effects of certain prescriptions (used for mental health treatment) generally cause this condition. Understanding the signs, causes, and remedies for TD is crucial for individuals at risk and healthcare professionals.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of TD can vary in severity and presentation. Common manifestations include:
- Involuntary facial movements
These may include rapid blinking, grimacing, or puckering of the lips. - Tongue movements
Sudden tongue protrusion, darting, or twisting may occur. - Gesticulation
Uncontrolled arm and leg movements, such as fidgeting, tapping, or flailing, can be present. - Choreiform movements
These are rapid, jerky movements of the limbs, neck, or trunk. - Grunting or snorting
Some individuals may exhibit vocal tics, including repetitive sounds like grunting or snorting.
Causes
TD is most often associated with the long-term use of certain treatment prescriptions, particularly those used for the management of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. These prescriptions can alter the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to the development of TD.