What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of
neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric
disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless
movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion,
lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of
the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers
may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.
Is there any treatment?
There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly
individualized. The first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the
neuroleptic drug. However, for patients with a severe underlying condition this
may not be a feasible option. Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute
drugs may help some patients. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, adrenergic
antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial.
What is the prognosis?
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may remain long after discontinuation of
neuroleptic drugs; however, with careful management, some symptoms may improve
and/or disappear with time.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports a broad range of research on movement
disorders including tardive dyskinesia. The goals of this research are to
improve understanding of these disorders and to discover ways to treat, prevent,
and, ultimately, cure them.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Tel: 301.443.4513/866.615.NIMH (-6464) 301.443.8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301.443.4279
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
Tel: 203.744.0100 Voice Mail 800.999.NORD (6673)
Fax: 203.798.2291
WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders)
204 West 84th Street
New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212.875.8312 866.546.3136
Fax: 212.875.8389
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
© Copyright 1995-2009 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
Can't find the health information you’re looking for?
Ask a Health Educator, Live!
Know someone who could use this information?...send them this link.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/14/2007...#6125
