What is Tardive Dyskinesia? (Uncontrollable Movements)
What is Tardive Dyskinesia? (Uncontrollable Movements) - https://healthery.com/health/tardive-dyskinesia/
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Tardive refers to a delayed reaction & Dyskinesia refers to abnormal movement. The abnormal movements are jerky bodily movements caused by certain medications. TD is a collection of side effects started by those anti-psychotic medications. The medication is used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. Most people do not develop symptoms of TD. However, those who do are sometimes permanently afflicted by it.
What are the Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia? Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia are not life-threatening. However, they can be extremely inconvenient and embarrass the victim. It can cause tremendous difficulties in the workplace and in any social circles. The areas of the body most commonly affected by TD are the legs and arms. The potential of TD can occur on virtually any part of the body. Symptoms include rapid eye blinking, chewing without knowing and puffing cheeks. As well as smacking and puckering their lips and sticking their tongues out.
What are the Causes of Tardive Dyskinesia? TD is caused by low levels of a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Occurring among patients treated for 3 months with an anti-seizure medication. Another risk factor for TD is being a substance abuser or an alcoholic. Especially since the medications are used for treatment of substance abuse. African-Americans and Asian-Americans are at greatest risk. However, the role genetics has yet to be defined by science.
How is Tardive Dyskinesia Treated? The best treatment for TD is to prevent it altogether. The only way to be sure is to consult with your doctor. If symptoms appear after taking an anti-seizure medication, tell your doctor. Most likely your doctor will prescribe some other kind of effective medication. New anti-psychotics and anti-seizure medications are less likely to trigger TD. In any case the observance of movements should not be allowed to go unchecked. If attention is not given, there’s a chance it can become permanent. If that happens there is very little in the way of treatment that can help. The FDA does not approve any medicines whatsoever for the treatment of TD. Some medication can diminish the severity of bodily movements. These include Amantadine, Clonazepam, and Tetrabenazine. Some people put their faith in home remedies, such as: Ginkgo biloba, melatonin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Although the medical benefits of these supplements have not been proven.
How is Tardive Dyskinesia Prevented? There are no known methods of prevention for TD once it has been contracted. The only course of action for prevention is to avoid the causes of Dyskinesia. The one avenue of potential effectiveness is regarding certain medications. There are medications that help with psychotic behavior and seizures. It has been shown that typical medications improve the severity of symptoms. While atypical medications do not have the same tendency. This does not constitute prevention of course. In most cases, patients cannot be taken off their medications altogether. Without the risk of the original psychotic behavior returning in full force. Therefore, avoidance of the anti-psychotics is not generally an option. Which leaves switching to an atypical medication the only feasible solution. Consult with your doctor on reducing or increasing dosage amounts. Which has been shown to be somewhat effective in reducing symptoms.
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