Tardive dyskinesia

Description

A condition that causes movements that happen over and over and can't be controlled. It's usually caused by long-term use of certain psychiatric medicines.

Overview

Tardive dyskinesia is caused by the use of dopamine-blocking medicines. Most commonly, these are antipsychotic medicines or antinausea medicines.

Symptoms

Tardive dyskinesia includes a wide range of movements that can't be controlled. Often these movements involve the mouth, tongue and face. They may include lip smacking or chewing. The movements also may affect the neck, trunk or limbs.

Treatments

Stopping or changing the antipsychotic or antinausea medicines that cause the symptoms may stop or reduce the movements. Exercise and certain medicines may help relieve the symptoms. Also, Botox injections or deep brain stimulation may be recommended.