Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by involuntary muscle movement. It usually affects the head, or the arms and sometimes the entire body. It could also be painful. While suffering from dyskinesia, a person can experience mild to debilitating discomfort. Based on the type and severity of the condition, it could affect your daily activities as well. The frequency and the intensity of the condition cannot be predicted. Dyskinesia is often observed in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It could be caused due to levodopa treatment, which continues for a long time. It may also occur in people with movement disorders and is not restricted to Parkinson’s patients alone. People with brain injuries or others who take antipsychotic medications could also experience the condition. These uncontrollable movements could be as mild as minor body twitches to complete movement of the body.

Facts about dyskinesia

• Dyskinesia starts out as minor fidgets or movements that are abnormal and uncontrollable in the dominant hand or foot. It could be a minor shake or tremor.
• The causes of dyskinesia may vary depending on the type of the condition.
• People who suffer from dyskinesia due to autism could benefit from behavioral therapy.
• Unless symptoms pose a significant challenge and affect daily life, it may go untreated if the symptoms are mild.

Symptoms of dyskinesia

Dyskinesia’s symptoms are different for each person. It may be mild with minor movements of the hands, feet, or head. It could also be more severe wherein multiple body parts start moving randomly. The symptoms tend to get worse over time and some symptoms start after a serious brain injury or they may get intense after trauma to the head. Dyskinesia is not related to the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s patients. Feeling excited or particularly stressed may trigger symptoms. Some of the symptoms of dyskinesia include:

• Wriggling
• Swaying of the body
• Twitching
• Fidgeting
• Moving of the head
• Restlessness

Causes of dyskinesia

The main cause of dyskinesia is most likely due to the prolonged use of the drug levodopa. This drug is usually administered to patients with Parkinson’s disease as it helps in stabilizing dopamine levels in the brain. Younger patients may be at risk as they take the medication for a longer period of time and also use a higher dosage. Patients with Parkinson’s usually lack dopamine-producing brain cells. The effect of long term use of levodopa could be involuntary movements or dyskinesia. This is because after the drug wears off, the dopamine levels fall again. People usually take the medication multiple times in the day.

Tardive dyskinesia may occur due to certain antipsychotic medications. Researchers are still unsure about the exact cause of dyskinesia but they are aware that brain chemicals like serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine may be to blame due to improper functioning. Among these, imbalanced dopamine levels are the most likely cause.

Medications for tardive dyskinesia (TD)

Here are certain FDA-approved medications that may help prevent TD.

Valbenazine (INGREZZA) capsules

INGREZZA for tardive dyskinesia treatment contains Valbenazine, which is used for treating adults by decreasing the amount of select natural brain substances. These substances affect how the nerves and muscles work, and modifying them can help control or prevent the condition.

Deutetrabenazine (AUSTEDO) tablets

Apart from treating movements in the tongue, face, and other body parts in adults, this prescription medication also helps treat (not cure) involuntary movements of Huntington’s disease.

Nutrition tips to manage TD

One should also focus on their nutrition to manage the symptoms of TD. It is advisable to take the following supplements under doctor’s supervision.

• Vitamin E: About 1,600 IU of vitamin E must be consumed daily for positive effects. Some foods rich in vitamin E include leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, cereals, sunflower seeds, vegetable oil such as soybean, safflower, and nuts such as almonds and peanuts.

• Manganese: 15 mg of manganese a day, found in foods like whole grains, clams, oysters, and legumes can help prevent TD. And about 60 mg is known to reverse the condition.

• Melatonin: Based on research, about 10 mg of melatonin each night has proven useful to reduce abnormal movements. Some rich sources of melatonin include eggs, milk, and fish, among other foods.

Avoid caffeine
One may also need to cut down on other substances such as caffeine to treat the condition. It induces a jolt of energy that may cause involuntary movements. Therefore, reducing caffeine consumption will help manage TD.