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more_legal_areas tardiveTardive dyskinesia describes the involuntary movements that occur in patients treated with long-term neuroleptic drugs. Most tardive dyskinesia sufferers take neuroleptic drugs to control psychiatric disorders; many of the persons diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia have schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. The neuroleptic drugs that are linked to tardive dyskinesia are used to treat these conditions, as well as for some gastrointestinal problems.
Persons with tardive dyskinesia experience repetitive, involuntary movements, such as grimacing, lip smacking, rapid eye blinking and tongue protrusion. Tardive dyskinesia can also involve rapid movements of the arms, legs, and torso. Some individuals with tardive dyskinesia will make impaired finger movements similar to playing guitar or piano. The various symptoms of tardive dyskinesia resemble those of many other neurological disorders, including Tourett’s, so reaching a diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia can be difficult. A doctor seeing the patient for the first time may mistake tardive dyskinesia for a mixture of several other dyskinesia disorders, unless precise documentation regarding the tardive dyskinesia exists, including the patient’s complete medication history. Diagnosing certain types of patients with tardive dyskinesia may be easier—there are higher risks for women, elderly patients, and African Americans. While tardive dyskinesia is linked to neuroleptic drugs, the treatment is not as simple as discontinuing their use. Tardive dyskinesia sufferers often rely on their neuroleptic medication for severe conditions, and while treating the tardive dyskinesia may be require changing medications, the original condition might not respond to other drugs. Additionally, tardive dyskinesia may remain long after discontinuation of the neuroleptic drugs.
Sometimes, negligent care results in tardive dyskinesia; health care professionals may not fully explore treatment options or consider the possibility of tardive dyskinesia when prescribing medications. If you or someone you love is suffering from tardive dyskinesia, you may wish to speak with an attorney near you who has experience with the legal rights of tardive dyskinesia patients.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Tardive Dyskinesia Information Page
Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment Information - Informational site for individuals suffering from neurological side effects of antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs. Learn from our Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyer about the symptoms and treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia along with lawsuit information.