Tardive Dyskinesia

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing repetitive, uncontrollable movements. It is an uncommon side effect triggered by long-term use of certain medications prescribed for stomach problems, mental illness, and neurological problems.  After months or years of taking these prescriptions, some patients may develop facial tics or other involuntary movements in the face or body. Tardive dyskinesia affects more than 500,000 Americans, or about 1 in 4 long-term users of antipsychotic medications

Causes of Tardive Dyskinesia

Medications that patients take for schizophrenia, mood disorders, and other neurological conditions are among those that can trigger tardive dyskinesia, include Haloperidol (Haldol); Fluphenazine; Risperidone (Risperdal); and Olanzapine (Zyprexa). Some medications that treat stomach issues have also been linked to tardive dyskinesia, including Metoclopramide (Reglan) and Prochlorperazine (Compazine). Older women, African Americans, and Asian Americans are more likely to develop this condition. Exposure to toxins, substance abuse, and other agents may make patients more likely to experience these symptoms. Other risk factors include diabetes, HIV, and traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

Patients with tardive dyskinesia may exhibit various movements, including swaying, smacking lips, tapping hands or feet, flapping arms, excessive eye blinking, or making uncontrollable facial expressions or noises, such as grunting. They may have difficulty swallowing or may make involuntary tongue movements.

Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia

This can be a difficult condition to diagnose. If you take an antipsychotic medication or another prescription that increases the risks, your doctor should check annually for symptoms with an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Your doctor will determine if symptoms indicate tardive dyskinesia or another movement disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease, by conducting a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis and an EEG or EMG to measure electrical activity between the brain, nerves, and muscles.

Treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia

Your doctor may consider lowering the dose of the medication, switching to a different medication, or adding a second medication to treat the movement disorder. Other treatments may include Botox injections to block the facial never signals or deep brain stimulation to block the irregular nerve signals.

What you can expect at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences

UTHealth Neurosciences brings together a multidisciplinary team of board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, researchers, and pain management specialists to help provide relief for even the most complex problems. Your team will share insights, leading to better treatment decisions and outcomes. You will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.

We first investigate nonsurgical treatment options, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, we will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care. While you are with us, you will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.