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Tardive Dyskinesia
Eligibility Criteria:
To pre-qualify, you must be between the ages of ages: 18-65
A brief description of the study
Length: 13 weeks
Visits: 14
Synergy Research Centers in Lemon Grove is currently running a clinical research study for individuals affected by tardive dyskinesia in San Diego. Tardive dyskinesia is a rare neurological disorder caused by the long-term use of antipsychotic medications prescribed to treat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. The disorder is estimated to affect at least 500,000 people in the United States. Those diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia suffer from stiff and uncontrollable movements of the face and neck.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of taking a class of antipsychotic medications known as neuroleptics. The condition is characterized by jerky, involuntary movements of the face and jaw. People with tardive dyskinesia may excessively blink their eyes, stick out their tongues, or pucker their lips uncontrollably. In some cases, the arms, legs, fingers, or toes are affected.
Taking neuroleptics over an extended period of time, usually three months, is the biggest risk factor for tardive dyskinesia. Additional risk factors include:
- Having diabetes
- Being a smoker
- Being over 55
- Being female
- Having dementia or a prior brain injury
- Being African or African American
- Having an alcohol or substance abuse disorder
What are the Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia?
Not everyone who takes antipsychotic medication will develop tardive dyskinesia. However, those who do experience involuntary movements of the face and neck that can range from mild to severe. Involuntary movements symptomatic of tardive dyskinesia include:
- Grimacing
- Frowning
- Pursing the lips
- Chewing or chomping
- Sticking out the tongue
- Smacking the lips together
- Excessive and rapid blinking
- Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing
- Drooping facial features
- Rapid movement of the arms or legs
In the early stages of the disorder, symptoms of tardive dyskinesia start as mild shakes, tics, or tremors and generally worsen over time.
What are the Different Types of Dyskinesia?
Dyskinesia refers to a category of movement disorders; tardive dyskinesia is one of them. Another is Levodopa-induced, or Parkinson’s dyskinesia. It’s estimated that half of people with Parkinson’s disease who are treated with the drug Levodopa will develop dyskinesia within four to five years. Symptoms of Parkinson’s dyskinesia include head bobbing, rocking, fidgeting, and wriggling.
Other types of dyskinesia include:
Tremors – a disorder characterized by rhythmic movements in the arms or hands. Tremors are associated with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, alcohol abuse, and many other health conditions.
Dystonia – a disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable muscle contractions causing abnormal twisting movements. Dystonia can affect one muscle, a muscle group, or the entire body.
Chorea – a disorder defined by jerky movements of the head, limbs, and face, each held for a few seconds. The condition is a side effect of certain medications and can be caused by lupus, meningitis, Lyme disease, and other health conditions.
Myoclonus – a class of dyskinesia disorders defined by sudden and repetitive muscle spasms and jerks. Myoclonus types of dyskinesia cause symptoms severe enough to be disabling.
Spasmodic torticollis – a movement disorder characterized by abnormal twisting of the neck and head that typically involves tilting the head to one side and rotating the chin the opposite way.
Ballism – a disorder that causes an individual to violently throw or fling the arms and legs. Ballism typically affects both sides of the body; the spasms can be severe enough to cause injuries.
Athetosis – a movement disorder defined by slow turning, curving, or bending motions often in the fingers, toes, and hands. This condition usually occurs as a result of brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Stereotypies and tics – this class of dyskinesia involves repetitive movements or muscle twitches. Types include muscle twitches in the same spot, aimless but ritualized motions, and severe twitches, such as those associated with Tourette’s syndrome.
Contact Synergy Research Centers to Participate in a Tardive Dyskinesia Research Study
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in a tardive dyskinesia research study, contact Synergy Research Centers today. Qualified applicants will have access to cutting edge treatment and have an opportunity to help researchers discover new therapies that could help thousands of people suffering from dyskinesia. Those included in the tardive dyskinesia research study will receive cash compensation for their time. You do not need health insurance to participate, and treatment is free.
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