Tardive dyskinesia is not typically reversible, but on rare occasions, it can be if caught early and treated immediately.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a medication-induced movement disorder involving uncontrollable muscle movements, primarily in the face, neck, and limbs. It’s caused by the long-term use of medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain. Symptoms can continue even after the medication usage has stopped.
The exact prevalence of TD across all medications isn’t known. However, research suggests that TD is much less common in people who take second-generation antipsychotics compared to those who take first-generation antipsychotics.
This means that people taking second-generation antipsychotics are less likely to develop TD, particularly if they have no history of taking a first-generation antipsychotic.
In medical terminology, “reversibility” refers to the ability to restore some level of baseline function by treating a condition. This term doesn’t always mean a condition is curable, but it suggests that, with treatment, function can be regained.
There’s currently no cure for TD, and if you develop it, the chances that treatment will fully reverse it are low.
One study found that only 13% of people saw an improvement in their symptoms after stopping the medications causing them. And it took about 2 years once they stopped taking them to see this improvement.
While more research is necessary to provide a clear view of reversibility rates, a handful of options are available to help you regain function if you develop TD.
Don’t stop your medication abruptly
Depending on the medication, stopping abruptly can cause unwanted side effects, such as a rapid return of symptoms being treated or your TD symptoms getting worse.
Talk with your doctor before stopping or reducing your medication. If they suggest switching to another medication or reducing your current dose, they can work with you to come up with a strategic plan based on your health and how long you’ve been on the medication.
Switching medications
Stopping the medication that’s causing TD can make symptoms worse. However, you may be able to switch to a different medication.
For example, TD associated with antipsychotics is more prevalent with earlier formulations known as first-generation or typical antipsychotics. Newer formulations called atypical or second-generation antipsychotics pose less risk for TD.
Taking VMAT2 inhibitors
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors, such as tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, and valbenazine, work to balance dopamine levels and regulate dopamine release in your brain. They do this by inhibiting the protein VMAT2, which helps deliver neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, into neural networks.
Through this action, VMAT2 inhibitors may help reduce the symptoms of TD that stem from dopamine dysregulation.
Undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS)
DBS is a neurological procedure that involves using electrodes implanted into your brain to provide electrical stimulation. The rhythmic electrical impulses from DBS can help your brain regulate its electrical system.
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It’s improtant to note that DBS is typically only considered as an option if oral medications are not working.
Taking gingko biloba extract
Ginkgo biloba extract is an herbal supplement obtained from the leaves of the gingko tree. It has been used in Eastern traditional medicine for centuries, for a variety of purposes.
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If treatment does not fully reverse your TD, you may still be able to improve your symptoms with targeted management strategies.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is used for many types of movement disorders, including TD. It can help improve coordination, balance, and strength so that TD symptoms are less disruptive.
Physical therapy can also help reduce the stiffness and muscle rigidity that can come from uncontrollable movements.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
Botox injections are used in medical and cosmetic procedures. The botulinum neurotoxin blocks nerve signals and can paralyze or impair muscle function.
A 2021 review notes that Botox injections can help manage many neurologic movement disorders, including TD. However, individual results can vary depending on the severity and location of your symptoms.
Repeat injections are often necessary to maintain results.
Lifestyle strategies
Taking care of your overall health and well-being can lessen the impact that TD symptoms have on your life. For example, regular exercise can help improve movement symptoms that affect your balance, flexibility, and gait.
Lifestyle interventions can improve your general wellness and may reduce the effects of underlying conditions that require long-term medication use.
General recommendations include:
- eating a well-balanced diet
- getting plenty of good quality sleep whenever possible
- avoiding smoking, if you do smoke
Treatment for chronic conditions
TD is caused by long-term use of certain medications. By staying in contact with a doctor and keeping up with regular evaluations, you can ensure that your treatment plan is up to date and evolving with your needs.
New therapies are always emerging. The more methods you can find to manage chronic medical conditions, the less you may need long-term use of medications that increase the risk of TD.
Does tardive dyskinesia ever go away?
If caught and treated early, symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can be reduced or go into remission. However, this is rare.
What are the red flags of tardive dyskinesia?
The red flags of tardive dyskinesia can include persistent uncontrollable movements like twitching or jerking and involuntary blinking.
What can be mistaken for tardive dyskinesia?
There are several conditions that are often mistaken for tardive dyskinesia due to presenting similar symptoms. This includes catatonia, compulsions, and drug-induced parkinsonism.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition and a drug-induced movement disorder. It happens when long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking medications changes chemical signaling in your brain, resulting in motor symptoms.
There’s no cure for TD, but treatment may be able to reverse the symptoms in some people. Physical therapy, Botox injections, and healthy lifestyle strategies can also help with symptom management.
To learn more about TD and the latest research and treatment advances, you can visit: