Neurological disorders can cause a number of changes to your brain and body. Some of the most common side effects of conditions like Parkinson's are involuntary muscle movements. Dyskinesia is broad term for uncontrolled and involuntary muscle movements. These can range from mild shakes and tics to more severe, full-body spasms. Often, this condition is actually caused by the medications prescribed to manage Parkinson's, instead of the disease itself. So what exactly is dyskinesia, what causes it, and how can it be treated? Here is an overview from PatientsLikeMe.
What is Dyskinesia?
Dyskinesia is a movement disorder. Usually, it shows up as uncontrolled tics, shakes, and tremors. These movements can affect different parts of the body, like the arms, legs, face, and torso. In people with Parkinson's, the disease itself often does lead to dyskinesia. One of the most commonly prescribed medications for Parkinson's is called levodopa. Levodopa restores dopamine levels in the brain, which decrease in people with Parkinson's. It has to be taken several times throughout the day. As a result, dopamine levels rise and fall regularly in the brains of people with Parkinson's. This regular change can lead to dyskinesia, although researchers are still unclear as to the exact mechanism behind its development.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of dyskinesia is involuntary movement, which can vary in severity and frequency. These movements may include:
- Writhing or wriggling
- Head bobbing
- Fidgeting
- Rocking or swaying
- Rapid blinking
- Sticking out the tongue
- Random movements of the lips, tongue, or jaw
These symptoms can affect just one part of the body, such as an arm or leg, or they can involve the entire body.
Types of Dyskinesia
There are a few types of dyskinesia, each with different causes.
- Parkinson's Dyskinesia: This type is caused by the long-term use of levodopa and other Parkinson's medications. About 50% of people aged 40-59 with Parkinson's will develop dyskinesia within 4-5 years of starting levodopa treatment.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: Similar to Parkinson's dyskinesia, this type is from a blockage in the brain's dopamine receptors. This can be from the long-term use of medications like antipsychotics, antiemetics, and some antidepressants. Being female, of African American heritage, or misusing drugs and alcohol can raise the risk.
- Chorea: Chorea is commonly caused by conditions like Huntington's disease and Sydenham chorea. These can lead to brief, irregular jerky movements that affect the limbs, head, and face. They typically only last for a few seconds.
- Dystonia: Dystonia is often genetic, but in some cases can be arise due to unknown reasons. It often shows up as sustained muscle contractions that affect different parts of the body.
- Tremors: Tremors are rhythmic movements. These can happen while you are static or moving. Tremors are linked to MS, vascular disease, tumors, and degenerative conditions that affect the cerebellum.
- Myoclonus: This type of dyskinesia shows up as sudden, often repetitive, muscle spasms. It is usually a result of nerve injury or a disruption to the central nervous system.
- Spasmodic Torticollis: This is also known as cervical dystonia. In spasmodic torticollis, there is an atypical twisting of the head and neck. Someone with the condition will often tip their head in one direction while rotating the chin the opposite way. It can develop at any age, and although doctors believe it is genetic, there may be environmental triggers.
Treatment
Treating dyskinesia often involves addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. For those with Parkinson's disease, that means adjusting the medication (levodopa) that is leading to the muscle spasms. This could be a change in dosage or stopping taking it altogether. A doctor will determine the best approach based on the severity of symptoms.
For other types of dyskinesia, treatment may mean taking certain medications. Doctors may prescribe tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, or valbenazine to treat tardive dyskinesia. Injections of botox can help reduce or limit involuntary movements, especially when they are in the face. Deep brain stimulation may also help! In this surgical procedure, doctors impact electrodes in the brain to help control movement.
The outlook for people with dyskinesia largely depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. For some, symptoms may be mild and manageable. However, in more severe cases, dyskinesia can be debilitating and may require more intensive treatment. Understanding dyskinesia and its treatment options is crucial. We hope this helped! Be sure to check out PatientsLikeMe for more information and support.