Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological movement disorder that may result from taking specific prescriptions for mental health-related conditions. Individuals who develop this condition might be unable to control various movements. Some people might notice the symptoms years after starting prescriptions, which can make diagnosis challenging. This condition can also impact people of all ages and gender. Other factors that might increase its risk include diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, and traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms
An individual might experience various symptoms if they develop tardive dyskinesia. Those with the condition might be unaware of their involuntary facial movements, such as chewing motions, blinking rapidly, grimacing or frowning, smacking lips, or making sucking motions with the mouth. The affected individual may also stick their tongue or probe the inside of the cheeks with the tongue. TD may also affect other body parts and cause one to thrust or rock their pelvis and walk with a duck-like gait. One might also make repetitive finger movements, resembling playing a piano. If one notices such warning signs, one must consult a healthcare expert immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Management options
An individual who develops tardive dyskinesia might struggle to cope with daily activities, particularly at work. So, after diagnosis, a health expert might advise various management options for TD. One of the first management techniques is gradually reducing the mental health prescription that might have triggered the disorder. Eventually, one may have to stop the prescription, and an expert may recommend an alternative.

Other individuals might experience symptoms even after stopping or changing their prescription type. In this case, the healthcare professional may suggest other lines of treatment for tardive dyskinesia. For example, a doctor might recommend taking INGREZZA®(valbenazine) capsules to tackle the symptoms of the condition. The prescription works by helping regulate the amount of dopamine flow in the brain areas that control various types of movement. One should also consult the professional about the dosage of INGREZZA® capsules before starting the treatment plan.

Additionally, the healthcare expert might recommend alternative treatments to manage symptoms.

– Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a form of surgery used to treat neurological disorders. During the procedure, a device is implanted in the brain to help individuals control their body movements. DBS may help treat symptoms, such as involuntary muscle movements. While it is not considered the first line of treatment, it might be a safe and effective option for severe TD cases that do not respond to prescriptions alone.

– Various lifestyle changes may also help reduce the risk of developing TD. One should speak to an expert about managing blood sugar levels, which usually contribute to the onset of the condition. Other lifestyle changes to manage the disorder include following a balanced meal plan and regular exercise.