Understanding Dyskinesia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By SWA

Dyskinesia explanation mention in: New Research Challenges Long-Held Views About Parkinson’s Disease https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-challenges-long-held-views-about-parkinsons-disease/

Dyskinesia refers to involuntary, abnormal, and uncontrolled movements that can occur in different parts of the body. These movements can vary in severity, from mild and barely noticeable to severe and disabling. Dyskinesia is not a disease itself but rather a symptom or side effect that is commonly associated with certain neurological conditions or the medications used to treat them.

Causes of Dyskinesia:

  1. Parkinson's Disease and Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia:

    • The most common form of dyskinesia is linked to Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly as a side effect of long-term use of levodopa, a medication used to manage PD symptoms.
    • Over time, as Parkinson’s progresses, the brain becomes more sensitive to fluctuating levels of dopamine caused by levodopa, leading to peak-dose dyskinesia, where symptoms emerge when medication levels are highest.

  2. Other Neurological Conditions:

    • Dyskinesia can also occur in other conditions, such as Huntington's disease, tardive dyskinesia (a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use), and some forms of cerebral palsy.

  3. Medications:

    • Certain medications, such as antipsychotics or anti-nausea drugs (which block dopamine), can cause a form of dyskinesia known as tardive dyskinesia.

Types of Dyskinesia:

  1. Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia (LID):

    • Seen in Parkinson’s disease, this type of dyskinesia is often associated with fluctuations in dopamine levels from medications.
    • It typically involves involuntary twisting, writhing, or jerking movements of the arms, legs, head, or trunk.

  2. Tardive Dyskinesia:

    • A side effect of long-term use of dopamine-blocking medications (antipsychotics or antiemetics).
    • It often causes repetitive movements, such as lip-smacking, tongue protrusion, or grimacing.

  3. Chorea:

    • Rapid, jerky, dance-like movements that flow randomly from one part of the body to another.
    • Seen in conditions like Huntington’s disease or some types of dyskinesia.

  4. Dystonia:

    • A sustained, involuntary muscle contraction that leads to abnormal postures or twisting movements.
    • Dystonia can overlap with dyskinesia in some cases.

Symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled, repetitive, or jerky movements.
  • Twisting, writhing, or wriggling motions.
  • Facial tics, lip-smacking, or tongue movements (in tardive dyskinesia).
  • Movements that worsen during specific times (e.g., when medication levels peak).

Diagnosis:

  • Medical History: A thorough review of medications, neurological conditions, and the timing of symptoms.
  • Physical Examination: Observing the movements and identifying their patterns.
  • Neurological Testing: To rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms.

Treatment:

  1. Adjusting Medications:

    • For Parkinson’s-related dyskinesia, adjusting the dose or timing of levodopa may help.
    • Adding medications like amantadine (specifically for dyskinesia) may also be beneficial.

  2. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):

    • In advanced cases of Parkinson’s, DBS can help reduce dyskinesia by stabilizing dopamine levels.

  3. Switching or Reducing Offending Medications:

    • For tardive dyskinesia, discontinuing or switching the causative medication (when possible) may alleviate symptoms.
    • The FDA-approved drug valbenazine or deutetrabenazine can also be used to treat tardive dyskinesia.

  4. Physical Therapy:

    • Movement therapy and exercises can sometimes help manage symptoms.

  5. Lifestyle Adjustments:

    • Managing stress, which can exacerbate dyskinesia, and working with specialists can help improve quality of life.

Prognosis:

The outcome depends on the underlying cause of dyskinesia. While it may not always be completely curable, proper management can significantly reduce its impact on daily life.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

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