INFORMATION ON TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

The term Tardive dyskinesia was introduced in 1964. Dyskinesia means "abnormal movement" and tardive means "late", signifying that the dyskinesia only occurs after some time has elapsed following initial administration of the neuroleptic drug.

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious neurological disorder caused by the long-term and/or high-dose use of dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotics and among them especially the typical antipsychotics.

Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking.

SYNONYMS OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

1 Linguofacial Dyskinesia
2 Oral-facial Dyskinesia
3 Tardive Dystonia
4 Tardive Oral Dyskinesia

CAUSES OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

The cause of tardive dyskinesia appears to be related to damage to the system that uses and processes the neurotransmitter dopamine. Postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors become supersensitive to stimulation during neuroleptic treatment and that this super sensitivity causes the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia caused by the use of neuroleptic drugs that are prescribed to treat certain psychiatric or gastrointestinal conditions
Tardive dyskinesia causes repetitive movements. Movements usually occur in the face, mouth, limbs, or trunk. The movements are involuntary and serve no purpose. They may occur occasionally or all of the time. They may be barely noticeable or very

SYMPTOMS OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Symptoms may begin while on the drug or within weeks of stopping it. Stress, moving other parts of the body, and taking certain drugs may worsen the symptoms. Relaxation, sleep, and purposely moving the affected body part decrease the symptoms.

Symptoms may include:
1. Grimacing
2. Sticking out the tongue
3. Twisting the tongue
4. Chewing
5. Sucking
6. Smacking lips
7. Puckering lips
8. Blinking eyes
9. Facial tics, Foot tapping
10. Moving fingers as if playing the piano
11. Rapidly moving arms, legs, or body
12. Writhing movements, Pelvic thrusts

DIAGNOSIS OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

The diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia is suspected upon observation of involuntary movements of the head, neck, face, and tongue in individuals who have a history of antipsychotic drug prescription. The criteria for diagnosing a tardive syndrome can vary but is generally agreed to be exposure of an individual to a dopamine receptor blocking agent within 6 months of onset of symptoms which persist at least 1 month after stopping the offending drug. There is no laboratory test or x-ray to confirm the diagnosis; although, such tests may rule out other conditions if the diagnosis is questionable.

TREATMENT OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

1. Primary prevention of tardive dyskinesia is achieved by using the lowest effective dose of a neuroleptic for the shortest time
2. Tardive dyskinesia may persist after withdrawal of the drug for months, years, or even permanently
3. The findings about the effects of natural substances, such as vitamin E or melatonin, are inconclusive. Treatment with adrenergic blocking agents and dopamine agonists like bromocriptine also remains somewhat controversial
4. TARVIL is a powdered drink mix with a pineapple flavor and must be administered under the supervision of a doctor three times a day with the dosage dependent upon the Tardive Dyskinesia patient’s body weight and medical condition.