Tardive Dyskinesia
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What is Tardive Dyskinesia?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsWhat is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally
prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia
is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue
protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may
also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.
Is there any treatment?
There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly individualized. The first step is generally to
stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug. However, for patients with a severe underlying condition this may not be
a feasible option. Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some patients. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines,
adrenergic antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial.
What is the prognosis?
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may remain long after discontinuation of neuroleptic drugs; however, with careful management,
some symptoms may improve and/or disappear with time.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports a broad range of research on movement disorders including tardive dyskinesia. The goals of
this research are to improve understanding of these disorders and to discover ways to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure
them.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda,
MD
20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513/866-615-NIMH (-6464)
301-443-8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301-443-4279
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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT
06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
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WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders)
204 West 84th Street
New York,
NY
10024
wemove@wemove.org
http://www.wemove.org
Tel: 212-875-8312 866-546-3136
Fax: 212-875-8389
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Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated February 14, 2007
