What is Dyskinesia? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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What is Dyskinesia? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dyskinesia is a term used to describe involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can affect different parts of the body. These movements may involve the face, tongue, arms, legs, or trunk and can range from mild and occasional to severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

Dyskinesia is most commonly associated with long-term treatment for Parkinson’s disease, particularly the use of levodopa. However, it can also occur as a side effect of certain medications, as a result of neurological disorders, or because of inherited conditions such as Huntington’s disease. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.

What Are the Main Types of Dyskinesia?

Dyskinesia is not a single disease. Instead, it refers to a group of movement disorders characterized by involuntary movements.

Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

This is one of the most common forms of dyskinesia and is frequently seen in people with Parkinson’s disease who have been taking levodopa for several years. Studies suggest that many patients develop dyskinesia after five to ten years of treatment.

The medication helps control Parkinson’s symptoms, but fluctuations in dopamine levels may contribute to involuntary movements over time. In some cases, patients may be referred to a neurosurgeon to discuss advanced treatment options such as deep brain stimulation when medications no longer provide adequate symptom control.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia typically develops after prolonged use of medications that affect dopamine receptors, including certain antipsychotic and anti-nausea medications.

Common symptoms include:

• Lip smacking
• Tongue protrusion
• Repetitive chewing movements
• Facial grimacing
• Rapid blinking

Genetic and Other Forms

Some forms of dyskinesia are associated with inherited neurological conditions, including:

• Huntington’s disease
• Wilson’s disease
• Certain mitochondrial disorders

Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a less common form characterized by sudden episodes of involuntary movement that may be triggered by stress, movement, fatigue, or caffeine.

What Causes Dyskinesia?

The most common cause of dyskinesia is medication.

Levodopa, used to treat Parkinson’s disease, can cause fluctuations in dopamine activity that contribute to involuntary movements over time.

Certain antipsychotic medications work differently by blocking dopamine receptors. Long-term exposure may cause those receptors to become overly sensitive, leading to tardive dyskinesia. A neurologist can help identify whether a medication is contributing to symptoms by reviewing medical history, medication use, and movement patterns.

Other causes include:

• Huntington’s disease
• Wilson’s disease
• Mitochondrial disorders
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Brain tumors
• Central nervous system infections

Some anti-nausea medications, including metoclopramide, may also cause dyskinesia when used for extended periods.

What Are the Symptoms of Dyskinesia?

Symptoms vary depending on the type and cause of dyskinesia.

Common movement patterns include:

Chorea

Rapid, irregular, dance-like movements affecting the limbs, face, or trunk.

Dystonia

Sustained muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or twisting movements.

Athetosis

Slow, writhing movements that most often affect the hands and fingers.

Tics

Brief, repetitive movements or sounds that occur involuntarily.

Many people experience a combination of these movement patterns.

In levodopa-induced dyskinesia, symptoms often appear when medication levels are at their peak. Common manifestations include:

• Repetitive facial movements
• Tongue rolling or protrusion
• Lip pursing
• Finger tapping
• Swaying or rocking movements

In more severe cases, dyskinesia can interfere with eating, speaking, walking, or other daily activities.

Types of Dyskinesia at a Glance

How Is Dyskinesia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination.

Healthcare providers evaluate:

• The type of involuntary movements present
• When symptoms occur
• Medication history
• Family history of neurological disorders
• Associated neurological symptoms

Additional testing may include:

• Blood tests
• Genetic testing
• Brain imaging studies
• Movement disorder assessments

For people with Parkinson’s disease, documenting when symptoms occur relative to medication dosing can provide valuable diagnostic information.

How Is Dyskinesia Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Treatment options may include:

• Adjusting levodopa dosage
• Using extended-release formulations
• Adding medications such as amantadine
• Considering deep brain stimulation in appropriate candidates

Tardive Dyskinesia

Management may involve:

• Reviewing and adjusting medications
• Switching to alternative therapies when appropriate
• Using VMAT2 inhibitors such as valbenazine or deutetrabenazine

Huntington’s Disease and Wilson’s Disease

Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and reducing symptoms. Medication selection varies based on the specific diagnosis and patient needs.

Focal Dystonia

Botulinum toxin injections may help reduce symptoms in targeted muscle groups, including those affecting the eyelids, neck, or hands.

Can Dyskinesia Be Prevented?

Not all forms of dyskinesia can be prevented, particularly those caused by inherited genetic conditions. However, certain strategies may help reduce risk.

For people with Parkinson’s disease, healthcare providers often aim to use the lowest effective dose of medication while balancing symptom control. Regular monitoring may help identify movement-related side effects early.

For individuals taking antipsychotic medications, periodic evaluation for abnormal movements can help detect tardive dyskinesia before symptoms become more severe.

Early recognition and appropriate management remain important in reducing the impact of dyskinesia on quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dyskinesia permanent?

Not always. Some forms may improve after medication adjustments, while others can persist long term. Outcomes depend on the underlying cause and how early treatment begins.

Is dyskinesia the same as dystonia?

No. Dystonia is one type of dyskinesia characterized by sustained muscle contractions and abnormal postures. Dyskinesia is a broader term that includes several types of involuntary movement.

Can dyskinesia get worse over time?

Yes. Some forms, including levodopa-induced dyskinesia and dyskinesia associated with progressive neurological disorders, may worsen over time without appropriate management.

Does stress make dyskinesia worse?

For many people, stress, fatigue, and excessive caffeine intake can worsen involuntary movements or make symptoms more noticeable.