
4 major warning signs of tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a prevalent neurological disorder. It is often a side effect of using specific treatments prescribed for mental health conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. These treatments may disrupt the production of a brain chemical called dopamine, leading to involuntary bodily movements. Tardive dyskinesia indicates one must visit a professional and adjust their ongoing treatment. Here are a few warning signs of the condition one should know about. Uncontrolled facial movements Those with tardive dyskinesia may lose control over their facial muscles, including those in the tongue. This may lead to unusual facial gestures, like repetitive lip smacking or puckering, fluttering eyelids, grimacing, tongue protrusion, jaw swinging, grunting, or puffing out of the cheeks. One may also unintentionally blink rapidly or stick out their tongue. Besides a loss of facial muscle control, patients may make involuntary sounds, such as grunting, clicking of the tongue, or throat clearing. Involuntary limb movements Tardive dyskinesia also affects limb control, leading to jerky movements of the arms or legs, flexing or twisting of the fingers, arm flapping, and restlessness or fidgeting. Individuals may also be unsteady on their feet and sway from side to side. The speed of these involuntary actions may vary from person to person.
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