Tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs.

Neuroleptics

Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.

Clinical features

Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements.

Symptoms

• Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking.
• Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may be present.

Prognosis

• Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may remain long after discontinuation of neuroleptic drugs.  
• In many cases, the symptoms stop spontaneously, but in some cases they may persist indefinitely.

Treatment

• Treatment is highly individualized. The first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug, but this can be done only under close supervision of the physician.
• Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some individuals.
• The Food and Drug Administration has approved valbenazine capsules to treat adults with tardive dyskinesia.
• The drug tetrabenazine is usually effective but can have side effects that need to be discussed prior to starting therapy.
• Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, clozapine, or botulinum toxin injections also may be tried.

Tardive dyskinesia Resources
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External links

• Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
  

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