Dyskinesia is a general medical term for progressive nerve cell illnesses that precipitate uncontrolled bodily movements. These disorders can have different causes. Therefore, understanding what these factors are, often proves paramount in obtaining the proper diagnosis and treatment.
The ailment can be part of a disease process. Arguably, the most common neurodegenerative illness impacting movement is Parkinson's disease. However, dyskinesia might also occur as the result of long-standing ingestion of specific drugs, particularly those that are prescribed to remedy mental issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
In the case of Parkinson's disease, a gradual decline of a brain chemical known as dopamine is said to exacerbate brain cell death. However, the condition might also be brought forth by genetic flaws and chronic exposure to cell-damaging toxins and environmental pollutants. In the case of Tardive dyskinesia, which is the result of chronic antipsychotic drug intake, said chemicals block the brain cell's ability to receive dopamine.
Physical Manifestations
Symptoms often vary depending upon the underlying cause and said condition's severity. However, dyskinesia's most common manifestations include uncontrolled, repetitive body movements that most often occur in the head, neck, and extremities. Movements can range from a mild twitch or fidget to a violent sway or tremor.
As the disease progresses, these motions can become more severe and spread to other bodily regions. In the most severe manifestations, afflicted individuals might also experience problems like performing routine tasks, chewing and swallowing difficulties and limited mobility.
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, no one surefire medial test exists that immediately confirms the presence of a dyskinesia-related disorder. Diagnosis is typically made after thorough medical evaluation from potentially several specialized physicians. That said, certain diagnostic tools might aid in the eventual diagnosis, such as:
Body Imaging Apparatuses
Machines like Computerized Tomography, CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI scanners enable medical professionals to capture images of a patient's brain. These scans might reveal areas of brain degeneration that might help confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, these diagnostic tools can help rule out other conditions that produce similar symptoms.
Blood Measurements
Sometimes, a simple blood test performed to measure dopamine concentrations may prove effective in the dyskinesia diagnostic process.
The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale Measurement
Those undergoing evaluations are asked to perform certain tests. Those who obtain certain scores might warrant a dyskinesia diagnosis.
Possible Treatment Options
Specific treatment will depend upon the type and severity of the underlying condition. Those with the Tardive manifestation might experience improvement by ceasing or reducing the dosage of prescribed anti-psychotic preparations.
Individuals with Parkinson's disease have found an improvement after taking certain medications. In some cases, a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation in which electrical impulses are pumped into the brain has precipitated a reduction in symptoms.
The illness has no cure, however, and treatment is often geared towards managing symptoms and partaking in health-boosting actions like consuming a balanced diet, exercising to stimulate blood flow to the body's muscles and minimizing stress.
Preventative Measures
Preventing dyskinesia-related disorders can be difficult. However, engaging in certain actions like augmenting one's diet with a variety of vitamin supplements or attempting to employ non-drug management of psychotic illnesses might reduce one's chances.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.