Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition caused by a side effect of certain treatment options. They are usually prescribed to manage various mental health conditions. When these treatment options block the dopamine receptors in the brain, both the brain and nervous system malfunction, triggering tardive dyskinesia. This then leads to uncontrollable and abnormal movements in those affected, primarily in their face and torso and sometimes in the entire body.

Risk factors
While tardive dyskinesia can affect anyone, seniors and women are likely to be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, pre-existing health issues like diabetes, infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and injuries to certain areas, especially the brain, are known to increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia.

Clinical features
One of the most significant clinical features of tardive dyskinesia is that it causes involuntary stiffness and jerky movements in different body parts.

Orofacial or oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia: This is characterized by uncontrolled shaking and movements in various parts of the face, including the lips, jaw, and tongue. As a result, those with the condition might involuntarily stick their tongue out, blink rapidly, chew even when there is no food in the mouth, or smack or pucker their lips. Sometimes, they may unintentionally puff out their cheeks, frown, or grunt.

Dyskinesia of the limbs: Some parts of the limbs, such as the fingers, arms, toes, and legs, may also be affected. Those with this condition may involuntarily wiggle their fingers, tap their feet, or flap their arms. They may also thrust out the pelvis, walk with a duck-like gait, and sway from side to side. These movements can make it challenging for those with tardive dyskinesia to perform day-to-day activities.

Diagnosis
One of the key ways to diagnose tardive dyskinesia is through constant monitoring, specifically when one is undergoing the kind of treatment that can increase the risk of this condition. In such cases, a healthcare provider will periodically check for the symptoms and ask one to undergo a few tests if or when symptoms start to show up. These tests aim to rule out other conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, or cerebral palsy, which cause symptoms similar to tardive dyskinesia.

– Physical exam to check various nervous system functions
– Blood tests and urinalysis to ascertain the presence of infections, illnesses, and other problems that might increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia
– Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the electrical activity in the brain
– Electromyography (EMG) to check the communication between the nerves and muscles

Treatment
A healthcare provider starts by lowering the dose of the treatment option that triggered the symptoms. Eventually, the prescription is tapered down and completely stopped. If it so happens that an individual has to undergo TD-inducing treatment, the doctor might recommend a better and safer alternative. In most cases, these changes usually stop the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia from recurring. But sometimes, the symptoms still persist despite the change in treatment methods. That being said, the intensity of the symptoms does improve over time. In very rare cases, the symptoms may worsen.