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Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Dyskinesia

Dyskinesia causes uncontrollable, abnormal, and involuntary movements. This neurological disorder can cause minor tics as well as full-body tremors. It has been known to occur among people who are undergoing treatment with long-term neuroleptic medication. Neuroleptic medications are antipsychotic medications that affect dopamine receptors and the central nervous system. Dyskinesia also occurs with the long-term use of drugs such as levodopa, which are required to manage Parkinson’s disease. Brain injury can also cause dyskinesia. Sometimes, dyskinesia can be a standalone condition as well. Depending on the cause, there are the following major types of dyskinesia. Levodopa-induced or Parkinson’s dyskinesia Tremors Dystonia Chorea Tardive or delayed dyskinesia Myoclonus Spasmodic torticollis Ballism Athetosis Stereotypies and tics Common symptoms of dyskinesia Dyskinesia symptoms differ from person to person and also depend on the cause of the disorder. The symptoms can range from mild intensity to severe tremors. The following are some of the common symptoms observed among patients with dyskinesia. Slight involuntary shaking of an arm, a leg, or the head Severe tremors in multiple parts of the body Fidgeting Body swaying involuntarily Head bobbing Restlessness Twitching Wriggling Diagnosis of dyskinesia Diagnosing dyskinesia can be difficult since most of the symptoms are similar to the tremors that occur due to Parkinson’s or any other tic disorder.