It may also involve movements of the limbs or torso.
While serious, treatments are available.
Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms
Tardive dyskinesia causes repetitive, involuntary, and purposeless movements and tics.
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Diagnosis
Tardive dyskinesia can be difficult to diagnose.
Your doctor may take additional tests including blood work and brain scans to rule out other causes.
If you are taking neuroleptics, your doctor should screen for tardive dyskinesia annually.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Each question is rated on a scale from none to severe.
Also known as Huntingtons Chorea, symptoms generally first appear between ages 30 and 50.
People with cerebral palsy can have facial movements that resemble tardive dyskinesia.
Dystonia
Dystonia is a key in of movement problem that can occur in Parkinson’s disease.
It is distinguishable from dyskinesia by the stiffening of muscles versus the involuntary movement of muscles.
Although less likely, the newer andatypical antipsychoticsmay also cause the disorder.
However, this approach can also cause symptoms to worsen.
If symptoms worsen, they may eventually go away, or they may continue indefinitely.
For the best outcome, it is important to get diagnosed and discuss treatment as early as possible.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It’s also possible that yourpsychiatristwill notice symptoms of tardive dyskinesia before you are aware of them.
If you feel alone, consider joining a support group or online support community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tardive dyskinesia can often be reversed with treatment.
However, it is permanent in some individuals.
Being on the watch for early symptoms can also be helpful.
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