Causes
The exact cause of tardive dyskinesia is not fully understood. It is believed to be related to the long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Other factors that may contribute to the development of tardive dyskinesia include age, duration of medication use, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms
The main symptom of tardive dyskinesia is involuntary movements. These movements can affect various parts of the body, including the face, mouth, tongue, and limbs. Common symptoms include facial grimacing, lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and jerking movements of the arms, legs, or trunk.
Diagnosis
Tardive dyskinesia is diagnosed based on the presence of characteristic symptoms and a history of long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Doctors may also perform physical examinations, review medical history, and conduct certain tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
The primary treatment for tardive dyskinesia is to discontinue or reduce the dosage of the medications that may be causing the condition. However, this must be done under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional. Other treatment options include switching to different medications, adding additional medications to manage symptoms, and therapies such as botulinum toxin injections and deep brain stimulation.