This article provides an overview of tardive dyskinesia, its signs and symptoms, how symptoms progress, and what a diagnosis means.
First Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia can result as a side effect of medications that block the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) dopamine in the brain.
Some of these medications are prescribed to treat psychiatric or neurological disorders. In some cases, patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also prescribed antipsychotic drugs (neuroleptics) for symptom management.
People who take medications known to block dopamine in the brain may need to be observed for early signs of tardive dyskinesia. If you or a loved one is taking a medication that may cause TD, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to spot early symptoms.
Early symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may be barely noticeable to the person affected.
Some of the first signs of TD include involuntary and persistent movements of the face, such as:
Lip smackingSticking the tongue outMaking funny facesJerking hand, arm, and leg movementsTwisting of the neckEye blinkingMouth sucking movementsGrimacing
Tardive dyskinesia of the trunk and limbs may present as:
Rapid, jerking movements of the arms, legs, or torsoSide-swayingWiggling fingers
About one in four people who take antipsychotic medications on a long-term basis develop TD symptoms and, in some cases, they may be permanent. However, the medications may be needed to treat and prevent the progression of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
If you are experiencing symptoms, discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Mild, Moderate, and Severe Symptoms
The symptoms mentioned above often present mildly at first. However, over time they can worsen to become more moderate and severe. In many cases, symptoms can become debilitating.
Since the movements are involuntary, they can lead to severe and painful cramping of the muscle groups involved. Severe symptoms may also make it difficult to talk or sleep.
These more severe symptoms may also lead to embarrassment, social isolation, anxiety, or depression.
TD is progressive, but fortunately it is usually not life-threatening.
Assessment and Diagnosis
A diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia can occur after symptoms have continued for at least a month after stopping the medication.
The most common rating system to assess the symptoms and severity of tardive dyskinesia is the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).
The AIMS is a 12-item scale to assess the presence of facial, trunk, and limb movements in people taking antipsychotic medications. The scale also assesses the overall severity of the movements, the patient’s awareness of the movements, and the level at which the movements incapacitate the patient.
The AIMS is a relatively simple test used by clinicians to provide a quick assessment and diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia. Some might recommend that patients take the AIMS before starting antipsychotic medications and then again three months after taking the medications.
Other diagnostic testing may include a computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other illnesses.
Summary
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and limbs. Early signs may not be noticeable, but they can include lip smacking, tongue protrusion, grimacing, eye blinking, and jerking body movements.
A Word From Verywell
Tardive dyskinesia can impact your quality of life and cause distress. You may be bothered by how others perceive your movements. For this reason, TD may interfere with your social life and work environment. Talk to your healthcare provider about how tardive dyskinesia affects you and see if there is any way to alleviate your symptoms.
If you are experiencing psychological effects, such as depression or anxiety, due to your tardive dyskinesia, consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group. Connecting with others who understand what you’re experiencing can help with coping.
Lip smackingMaking funny facesEye blinkingGrimacingMouth sucking movementsTwisting of the neck
Tardive dyskinesia can also present as rapid, jerking movements of the arms, legs, or torso, or cause side-swaying or hip-thrusting movements.
