Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder that is primarily characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of various body parts. TD is often caused by long-term use of antipsychotic prescriptions, among other known causes and triggers. These abnormal movements can range in severity and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Here are five common symptoms of tardive dyskinesia in detail. Recognizing the symptoms of TD is crucial for early intervention and management.

Tremors
Tremors are among the first noticeable signs of developing tardive dyskinesia. During the early stages, these tremors are hardly noticeable except for the occasional involuntary hand movements that happen without any prior warning. However, tremors can worsen if left unchecked to the point where they begin to affect basic hand movements like gripping things or moving something in or out of place.

Facial movements
Mild to moderate disorders can trigger varied facial movements. People with such conditions may unconsciously stick out their tongues or smack their lips for no apparent reason. Rapid eye blinking is another visible sign associated with the condition. This can give the appearance of constant eye twitches, which can be distressing and make it difficult to maintain eye contact. Other evidence of facial symptoms include frowning, grunting, puffing out the cheeks, and even chewing unnecessarily. TD can result in severe facial grimaces, where the person involuntarily contorts their facial muscles to produce unusual expressions. This can impact one’s self-esteem during social interactions and make it difficult to have a normal conversation.

Involuntary movements
Patients suffering from prolonged tardive dyskinesia will also develop uncontrolled movement of the arms and legs. These actions can be either too fast or too slow, depending on the severity of the action. One might constantly find themselves wiggling their fingers or toes, tapping their feet, flapping out the arms, thrusting out the pelvis, or swaying from side to side without proper context. These are involuntary actions that happen.

Neck and postural movements
TD also affects the neck muscles, causing involuntary movements that impact posture and stability. People often complain about sudden twisting or bending of the trunk, causing discomfort and difficulty maintaining an upright posture. Other postural movements also include uncontrollable nodding or shaking that can occur in some severe cases of TD. These movements can be distracting and interfere with concentration, thus affecting daily routine.

Vocal symptoms
Tardive dyskinesia can extend to the vocal cords, resulting in symptoms that affect speech and vocalization. Some people with TD produce involuntary grunting or snorting sounds that may vary in pitch and tone. There is no consistent pattern to this symptom. TD also triggers repetitive tongue clicking or unusual noises during speech, making it difficult for affected individuals to communicate effectively.

Tardive dyskinesia symptoms can vary in intensity and may be intermittent or continuous. In some cases, symptoms may improve or worsen over time and can be exacerbated by stress or anxiety. Immediate consultation is advised if any of the symptoms get out of control.