Dyskinesia is classified as an Abnormal Involuntary Movement (AIM). There are different kinds of dyskinesias, each of them is characterized by different features and symptoms. This condition causes involuntary movements that cannot be controlled by the individual experiencing it. These movements may either be limited to one body part or sometimes even affect the whole body.
Let us look at the diagnosis and treatment options of dyskinesia.
The doctor may use the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale to diagnose dyskinesia and other AIMs. The scans of the brain also show some chemical alteration or damage to the area that is responsible for controlling and learning these involuntary movements. The basal ganglia is this area of the brain.
There treatment and management of dyskinesia will depend on the patient’s medical history and the severity of the dyskinesia. While some people may only experience these movements at a single part of the body, the others may experience it all over their body.
Dyskinesia is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The condition is also caused as a side effect of levodopa, which is an extremely effective medication to treat Parkinson’s. This medicine is administered to control the dopamine levels which may become low in the brain cells of patients with Parkinson. The dopamine levels come up for a while till the effect of the medicines last and then decrease. This fluctuation in the dopamine levels is one of the chemical alterations that can cause dyskinesia.
Another common health condition associated with dyskinesia is dystonia. Dystonia causes involuntary muscle tightening as a side effect of the taking Levodopa in Parkinson patients. These patients experience dyskinesia even at high dopamine levels in the brain cells due to the tightening of the muscles in the brain.
Not all people with dyskinesia need treatment as it may be mild symptoms. But for those who experience severe dyskinesia that may hinder their ability to work or do anything may need to opt for treatment. These involuntary movements are characterized by the following movements:
The doctors may take a few factors into consideration when planning out your treatment. These factors include the severity of the symptoms, the duration for which the levodopa or other medications last, the duration of the symptoms and age.
Given below are some of the treatment options for dyskinesia.
If you are experiencing dyskinesia, it is better to consult a doctor to pinpoint what may be causing these involuntary movements in your body. The doctor can help you with the right treatment plan for dyskinesia that may be suitable for your current health status and lifestyle.
