Dyskinesia is a term given to a group of movement disorders. It is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or could be a side effect of prolonged use of antipsychotic medications. Dystonia is the term used for movement disorders with Parkinson’s. In the instance prolonged use of antipsychotic medications, it is referred to as tardive dyskinesia or chronic dyskinesia.

As these individuals are already suffering from other conditions (Parkinson’s or psychosis), it is critical to watch for symptoms of dyskinesia so that they can be diagnosed in the early stages and mid-course corrections can be done if required at the earliest. This can have a huge impact on the overall quality of life. So, what should one look out for?

• Dystonia

  The degree and severity of symptoms will vary from one person to another. There could be a slight movement of the head or the leg to complete involuntary movement of the entire body. The patient also will demonstrate fidgeting, wriggling of the toes, nodding of the head, twitching of the mouth, and swaying of the body as some of the tell-tale signs. In people with Parkinson’s, these are apart from the tremors that are part of Parkinson’s. These are mainly due to the fluctuating dopamine levels, which is a neurotransmitter and coordinates the movement between the nerves and the muscles.

• Tardive dyskinesia

  This is mainly seen in people who are on prolonged antipsychotic medications. These movements affect the face mainly and the patient can show tell-tale signs such as rapid blinking of the eyes, lip puckering, sticking out the tongue repeatedly, grimacing with no reason, and lip-smacking. The patient could be puffing out the cheeks repeatedly, grunting, and frowning. When the arms and legs are affected, the patient can also demonstrate flapping of the arms, wiggling of the toes and fingers, swaying of hips from side to side without any reason, etc. These movements are all involuntary and difficult to control. The patient may be further anxious about these and could even be embarrassed because of them.

These symptoms can affect the daily routines of a person. Chores such as eating, cooking, and exercise could be affected majorly. A person who wants to use a spoon may not be able to do so properly. Walking may turn out to be an issue if there is constant wiggling. When severe, they may not be able to control their walking and continue walking without being able to stop at the desired spot. All these could increase concerns for the caretakers who may be worried to leave them alone.

These symptoms could be one of the first identifiers of Parkinson’s disease. So, if you notice any of these, get tested for Parkinson’s, which can help arresting it in the early stages. Also, in people who are using antipsychotic medications, the onset of these symptoms could mean it needs a change of medication or dosage. The risk is higher in women who are over 50, have undergone menopause, and abuse alcohol or substances.

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