Dyskinesia is defined as any abnormal, uncontrolled, or involuntary movement that affects the entire body or a specific body part. For instance, dyskinesia be wiggling or fidgeting with the arms of legs, tics of the facial muscles, head bobbing, or writhing or swaying of the torso or the entire body. These involuntary tics or movements tend to affect patients with mild to severe Parkinson’s disease at varying degrees.
Every Parkinson’s patient experiences dyskinesia differently, but this common symptom of the disease tends to gradually become more severe as Parkinson’s progresses. Parkinson’s disease itself, results from decreased brain chemical production. In healthy individuals the body naturally produces dopamine to maintain healthy movement. However, in parkinson’s patients, lack of dopamine can lead to weak, shaky movements, tics and tremors, muscle spasms, stiff muscles, and muscle pain.
Common dyskinesia treatments
Dyskinesias in parkinson’s patients is most often treated with a prescribed medication, such as Levodopa, which triggers the brain’s conversion of central nervous system agents into dopamine. The treatment is based on the idea that Parkinson’s mobility issues and involuntary tremors are due to decreased dopamine production. However, medical research does indicate that long-term use of levodopa can make dyskinesia even more severe, which is why any medication must be closely monitored by a doctor.
In order to manage dyskinesia in parkinson’s patients safely, the main goal is to ensure dyskinesia doesn’t become worse due to medication. This is why doctors who specialize in treating parkinson’s will often suggest the following course of treatment:
- Prescribe a lower dose of levodopa so dyskinesia doesn’t worsen.
- Suggest taking levodopa with less frequency to control exacerbating dyskinesia.
- Prescribe an additional extended-release drug (i.e., amantadine) to help control dyskinesia while lowering levodopa dosage.
