TARDIVE DYSKINESIA (cont´d)
- Many of the cases are mild but the disorder can be socially disfiguring. The symptoms of frowning, blinking, grimacing, puckering, blowing, smacking, licking, chewing, tongue protrusion and spastic facial distortions are very troubling. Abnormal movements of the arms and legs also occur, including rapid, purposeless irregular movements; tremors and foot tapping. Body symptoms include dramatic movements of the neck and shoulders, rocking, twisting pelvic gyrations and thrusts.
- Because tardive dyskinesia is often irreversible, the goal is prevention.
- If symptoms begin to appear, the medication is reduced or the person is switched to a newer antipsychotic.