Dyskinesia is a disorder that affects movement. It causes uncontrolled and involuntary movements or difficulty with voluntary motion. These movements range from shaking, tremors, and tics to full-body movements. Dyskinesia often affects one or more parts of the body, and it is a common issue for people with Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes, dyskinesia can even be a side effect of treatments. The severity of dyskinesia can vary from mild to severe, making everyday tasks challenging.
Types of dyskinesia
Athetosis
It is a movement dysfunction characterized by writhing movements. It can be a result of congenital complications or neurological diseases.
Chorea
This type is manifested as irregular, jerky movements of the arms, legs, and facial muscles. It most commonly occurs as a result of Huntington’s disease.
Parkinson’s dyskinesia
It is also referred to as treatment-induced dyskinesia, and it may occur because of the long-term therapies taken for Parkinson’s.
Tardive dyskinesia
It is also known as delayed dyskinesia, and it develops as a result of the blockage of dopamine receptors in the brain.
Myoclonus dyskinesia
In this condition, individuals experience disabling jerky movements, which can be caused by a disturbance in the central nervous system or a nerve injury.
Dyskinesia signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of dyskinesia may vary in each individual. These may appear differently and in a distinguished manner according to the type of disorder. They may start as small movements like tics or tremors and then progress to the following:
Fidgeting
Restlessness
Wriggling
Body swaying
Head bobbing
Twitching
The symptoms and signs may gradually worsen over time.
Dyskinesia causes
The causes of dyskinesia are neurological problems and certain long-term treatments like those taken for Parkinson’s and psychological disorders. At times, it appears without a specific reason and known risk factors.
Dyskinesia diagnosis and treatment
This condition is diagnosed by a specialist such as a movement disorder specialist or neurologist. As far as the dyskinesia treatment is concerned, therapy changes for each type of disorder. Also, sometimes Deep Brain Stimulation Procedure is done by a specialist to control the abnormal impulses in the brain to regulate uncontrolled movements. However, it may not be suitable for every individual.
Dyskinesia remedies
The remedy for dyskinesia involves identifying the underlying cause and following a treatment plan accordingly. One may contact a physician or a specialist to treat this condition. Making a few changes in one’s meal plan can help with symptom management. Some foods that may help with dyskinesia include Vitamin E sources like vegetable oils, green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. The antioxidant property of vitamin E helps protect brain cells from damage due to free radicals. High-protein meals should be regulated as they can worsen dyskinesia.
It has been found that Vitamin B6 helps in cognitive development and also in managing dyskinesia. However, the studies on this topic are limited. It has also been warned that people should not take high levels of B6.
Dyskinesia is a condition that can impact any muscle in the body, including the face, arms, and legs. This post explains the different types of dyskinesia. Doctors use the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale to assess the severity of involuntary movements. It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare provider before making changes to one’s meal plan.
