Dyskinesias are involuntary, uncontrollable movements that can affect different parts of the body like the face, arms, legs, or trunk. They often show up in people with Parkinson’s disease or as side effects from certain medications used to treat this condition. If you or someone you know is dealing with sudden jerking, twisting, or writhing movements, it could be dyskinesias.
These movements are different from normal tremors. They can happen as a reaction to long-term medication use, especially with drugs that increase dopamine levels in the brain. Sometimes, the movements might be mild and barely noticeable; other times, they can be more severe and disrupt daily life.
The most common cause is related to Parkinson’s disease treatment, where medications like levodopa help control symptoms but may lead to these unwanted movements over time. The brain’s dopamine system becomes unstable, leading to bursts of excessive movement when the medication peaks in the bloodstream. Besides medications, dyskinesias might also result from other neurological disorders or brain injuries.
It’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms. They can adjust your treatment plan to balance managing Parkinson’s symptoms without triggering dyskinesias. Sometimes this means changing medication doses, switching drugs, or adding therapies like deep brain stimulation.
Treatment aims to find the right medication balance that controls disease symptoms while minimizing involuntary movements. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce dyskinesia severity or recommend timing adjustments for existing drugs. Physical therapy can also help improve movement control and reduce discomfort.
New techniques like deep brain stimulation offer hope for those with severe dyskinesias. This surgical option targets specific brain areas to regulate abnormal movement signals, reducing symptoms for many patients. However, it’s a decision that needs careful consultation with specialists.
Living with dyskinesias can be challenging, but knowing more about them helps you stay in control. Keep open communication with your healthcare team and report any new or worsening movements. That way, you can work together on solutions that improve quality of life without unnecessary side effects.
Published on Jul 1
0 Comments
Understanding dyskinesias and the role of occupational therapy in managing it has been a fascinating journey. Occupational therapy can help individuals with dyskinesias, involuntary muscle movements often caused by long-term use of certain medications, by improving their daily functional abilities. Therapists provide strategies to perform daily tasks more efficiently, reducing the impact of dyskinesias on their lives. They also guide in muscle training and control exercises, which help in managing the symptoms. Remember, the goal is to enhance the quality of life and promote independence in those affected.