Changes over time
Areas affected
Amplitude, or size
Frequency and persistence
Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements that may or may not get more severe over time. Your doctor might ask you to stop taking medication that’s caused tardive dyskinesia, which may or may not cause your symptoms to improve. Your doctor may recommend treatments to manage symptoms. They will monitor
your condition for signs of changes using rating scales such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS), and Tardive Dyskinesia Impact Scale (TDIS).
Tardive dyskinesia may cause involuntary movements that vary in frequency and persistence. The condition might be getting more severe if you have involuntary movement that are happening more often or lasting for longer periods of time. Severe tardive dyskinesia may cause
very frequent or even constant involuntary movements.
Tardive dyskinesia may cause involuntary movements
that vary in amplitude, or size. The condition might be getting more severe if you have involuntary movements that are becoming larger. For example, your doctor
would rate a large writhing hand motion as more severe than a small finger tap or wave.
Condition Progression Guide
Tardive Dykinsia
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Tardive dyskinesia may cause involuntary movements in different parts of your body, such your mouth, face, hands, arms, feet, legs, neck, shoulders, or hips. It might be a sign that the condition is progressing if you develop new or more severe involuntary movements in any part of your body. Let your doctor know about any changes you notice.
If you have only minimal symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, you might not notice them nor find them difficult to manage. More severe symptoms might be more distressing or disruptive. Some symptoms might limit your ability to speak, eat, walk, or do other activities. Let your doctor know how your symptoms are affecting your comfort, emotional well-being, and day-to-day activities.
Distress and disruption
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