Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements in the body. It is usually a side effect of treatments used for schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. While this side effect does not manifest in everyone, when it does, the symptoms remain permanent. Tardive dyskinesia can affect one’s ability to perform simple everyday tasks and lower their quality of life. Patients should speak to a doctor, notify them about their symptoms, and learn how to manage them better.
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia
While some get mild symptoms that may go unnoticed, others develop severe symptoms that influence their daily life. The intensity of impact can change over time. Some symptoms to look out for include:
Involuntary facial movements
Patients develop irregular facial movements that are not rhythmic. The problem is also called orofacial dyskinesia or oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia. The involuntary facial movements may include:
- Smacking of the lips
- Moving the jaw, mouth, or tongue uncontrollably
- Puffing out of the cheeks
- Blinking the eyes more than usual
- Unusual facial expressions
Jerky body movements
The patient may also manifest involuntary, jerky body movements. A few examples include:
- Moving or tapping the hands or feet
- Flapping of the arms
- Writhing or squirming of fingers
- Irregular hip movements
- Thrusting out the pelvis
- Swaying from side to side
- Movement in the upper body
When involuntary movements are noticed in the arms, legs, toes, or fingers, it is called dyskinesia of the limbs
Muscle spasms
Some people with the condition develop muscle spasms, where their muscles tighten. Such spasms may last for a short while or longer. When suffering from a spasm, the patient may make noises that cannot be controlled. They may also have difficulty breathing and swallowing. Further, a change in posture may be noticed.
Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of some treatment plans. Still, doctors usually suggest continuing the treatment as stopping it can have more severe risks. Instead, healthcare experts suggest other ways to manage the side effects. Those experiencing the symptoms should always consult an expert for a solution rather than experimenting with their current treatment plan, as it can lead to other complications.