Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder involving involuntary movements of certain body parts. These are repetitive movements that usually affect the face. Certain treatments cause the onset of TD, as they may lead to chemical changes in the brain. Such changes increase dopamine sensitivity, triggering this condition. Moreover, some existing health issues, such as diabetes, can worsen TD symptoms. It helps to understand the physical effects and treatment options for TD for better management.

Physical effects of tardive dyskinesia

Sudden, jerky body movements
Those with TD may move their arms and legs involuntarily and with a jerk. These movements are often accompanied by thrusting of the trunk and hips, rocking, etc.

Facial grimacing
TD often affects one’s lower facial muscles, which can lead to involuntary facial grimacing in this area.

Facial tics
Repetitive, uncontrollable facial movements, like facial tics, are common among those with TD. So, patients may smack their lips, grind their teeth, make fish-like lip movements, blink constantly, or stick out their tongues.

Duck-like walk
Another common physical effect of TD is a duck-like gait, wherein one may take short strides and shift their body mass constantly between their feet.

Respiratory problems
Some patients with TD may find themselves constantly feeling short of breath. This is because the health condition majorly affects the muscles involved in breathing.

Muscle spasms
TD is accompanied by severe muscle spasms, often several times a day, causing extreme pain and discomfort.

Ways to manage tardive dyskinesia
To manage TD symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize its signs and symptoms early on and get the disease treated on time. In addition, one should make certain lifestyle changes to ensure the treatment works well.

Manage comorbid health issues
Diabetes, HIV, trauma, brain injury, etc., can worsen TD symptoms. For this reason, those with TD should run tests for such diseases and manage them. For example, if a person with TD is also diagnosed with diabetes, they should control their sugar intake and get their blood sugar levels tested frequently.

Avoid stressors
Stress becomes all the more difficult for patients with TD to handle. As a result, it’s important for them to identify stressors in their lives and try to eliminate them. For instance, if the work pressure at one’s job is too high, they should switch to less demanding roles or part-time jobs to handle the situation better.

Seek support
TD can be rather unsettling and might cause stress among patients. But having a strong support system can help maintain good mental health and heal steadily. So, one should connect with family members, friends, etc. and seek help in their daily life as required. Joining peer support groups can also assist in balancing mental and emotional health. Finally, one should seek professional assistance in completing daily chores like cooking and cleaning, which can add to the stress.

When exploring treatment options for TD, one should visit their doctor regularly, have nutrient-rich foods, and rest well so that the treatment yields the best results.