Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a rare disorder that impacts neurological function. It’s the side effect of taking certain medications that can lead to jerky movements of the face. These movements are uncontrollable, so a person can develop ticks like sticking out their tongue or puffing out their cheeks without intending to do so. These involuntary and abnormal movements can sometimes impact the arms and legs of some patients.
Since tardive dyskinesia is largely caused by taking certain prescription medications, it’s important for people to know which ones. You can search online to find a list of medications that may lead to this disorder.
Here are some important facts you should know about tardive dyskinesia.
There Are Two Types of Tardive Dyskinesia
Not everyone with tardive dyskinesia will experience the same symptoms. Depending on their specific case, doctors will classify them under one of two types of TD.
The first is called orofacial dyskinesia. WebMD says this is uncontrollable movements of the face that can impact the lips, jaw, or tongue.
The second type of TD is dyskinesia of the limbs. This is where the disorder causes uncontrollable movements in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
The movements may be fast or slow, and make it difficult for people to live their lives normally.
Marcelo Ricardo Daros / Shutterstock