https://www.verywellhealth.com/dyskinesia-4707738
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Dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary or uncontrolled muscle movements that are abnormal in character and may make it difficult to coordinate normal movements.
There are several forms of dyskinesia that are associated with different symptoms and causes.
Dyskinesia is most commonly caused by medications, such as long term use of levodopa in Parkinson's disease and use of antipsychotic medications. Dyskinesia caused by brain injury such as vascular event ( stroke) or other brain damage is less common. Movement symptoms typically start as minor shakes, tics, or tremors. They can occur in just one body part like a person’s head or leg, or movements can affect the entire body. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some may be painful.
There are different types of dyskinesias which lead to different symptoms as well as treatments. Common types of dyskinesias include:
- Athetosis: A form of dyskinesia associated with brain damage, mainly cerebral palsy. Movements in athetosis are slow and writhing
- Chorea: A form of dyskinesia often seen in Huntington's disease, structural damage of the brain, and caused by medications. Chorea refers to quick movements of the limbs and can resemble dancing.
- Levodopa-induced or Parkinson’s dyskinesia: A form of dyskinesia that may occur due to the long-term use of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
- Tardive or delayed dyskinesia: A form of dyskinesia associated with the use of antipsychotic medications, often used to treat schizophrenia.
- Myoclonus dyskinesias: A form of dyskinesia seen in progressive myoclonic encephalopathy. Movements are severe and very disabling.
Oftentimes, related conditions like dystonias, stereotypies, and tics are included as dyskinesias. However, characterizing some of these other movement disorders as dyskinesias remains a topic of debate among medical professionals.
