Additional Dyskinesia Symptoms

Tardive dyskinesia is not a single disorder, but rather a set of symptoms brought on as the result of side effects from medications that are classified as dopamine antagonists. Normally prescribed for the treatment of mental illness, certain drugs of this type, such as Reglan, have been used to treat gastrointestinal illnesses.

Tardive dyskinesia primarily effects the musculature of the face, eyes, jaw, lips and tongue. However, dyskinetic symptoms can manifest in virtually any part of the body - including the diaphragm and the larynx. In these cases, such symptoms can cause serious and even life-threatening problems.

Myoclonus

Myoclonus is a spasmodic, intermittent twitching or contraction/relaxation of a single muscle or muscle group. Hiccups are actually a myoclonic spasm of the diaphragm. The presence of myoclonus as a symptom may also be a sign of Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis or epilepsy.

Paroxysm

"Paroxysmal attacks" or "spells" consist of short, transient spasms or convulsions that may be myoclonic in nature. The patient may experience these as little as once a day or hundreds of times a day.

Photophobia

Although the term "phobia" means fear, photophobia is not a psychological condition, but rather indicates a sensitivity towards excessive light. Patients experiencing this symptom often avoid brightly-lit environments and may even find them painful. Photophobia may be due to a number of causes, including side effects of certain neuroleptic drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium and similar sedatives).

Hypotonia

Patients suffering from hypotonia experience muscular weakness that can result in "floppy" joints, poor motor skills, inability to stand up straight, drooling and speech impediments, poor posture and slow reflexes. There are literally dozens of causes for hypotonia, including genetic defects, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies and brain injuries. It can also be a sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome brought on by the side effects of medications such as risperidone (Risperdal).

Athetosis

Dyskinetic or dystonic movements characteristic of athetosis include slow, writhing motions of the extremities. The causes may include brain lesions or other injuries, either due to trauma or a toxin.

Ataxia

Also known as dystaxia, this condition is a non-specific manifestation of general nervous system dysfunction. The condition also has many different causes. Symptoms may include lack of balance and fine motor control or locomotion difficulties. Any toxin or chemical substance that inhibit functions of the central nervous system can cause ataxia, including drugs used to control epilepsy and dextromethorphan, an ingredient in certain cough medicines.

Chorea

As the name suggests, chorea is a series of quick, dance-like motions that may start in extremities and work their way up the limbs. It is one symptom of Huntington's Disease and is also a side effect of levodopa and other psycho-active drugs.

Source

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 31st Edition (2009)
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Tardive_Dyskinesia.htm

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