Dyskinesia

Dyskinesia refers to a range of involuntary movement disorders that can occur as a side effect of some medications and as a symptom of some underlying medical conditions such as movement disorders and neurological damage. Dyskinesias may involve muscle twitches, jerking, and a variety of other abnormal movements. While dyskinesias can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities, they may also be an essential part of controlling a medical condition. The most common causes of dyskinesia include the use of certain medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease. These medications, called dopaminergic agents, increase activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Increased dopamine can cause abnormal movements and other signs of dyskinesia. These include writhing, rubbing, repeating movements, or having an awkward gait. Other medications have also been known to cause dyskinesia, such as certain antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. There are a variety of ways to treat dyskinesia, including reducing or discontinuing the use of the medication causing the onset of the symtpoms, or switching to a different medication. When this is not possible or the dyskinesia persists, drugs known as “antidystonia” drugs, like diazepam can be used to reduce the severity of symptoms. Other remedies may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and dietary modifications. In some cases, dyskinesia can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, or Wilson’s disease. Treatments for these conditions generally focus on symptom prevention through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications. In all cases, it is important to visit your doctor if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of dyskinesia. This can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and identify any medications that may be causing the symptoms. Appropriate treatment can then be recommended to reduce the dyskinesia symptoms and improve quality of life.