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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Tardive Dyskinesia and Dystonia?

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Tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia are both movement disorders caused by increased signaling of nerves to muscles, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal movements. However, there are key differences between the two conditions:

  • Characteristics: Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, choreiform movements affecting the trunk, appendages, or orobuccolingual muscles. On the other hand, tardive dystonia manifests as stereotyped twisting and turning muscle spasms.
  • Age of Onset: Tardive dyskinesia tends to have a later age of onset compared to tardive dystonia.
  • Progression: Once established, the progression of dystonia tends to evolve in a stepwise fashion over months to years, with subsequent involvement of additional body parts.
  • Treatment: Both conditions can be treated with medication and physical therapy, but dystonia may also be treated with botulinum toxin injections and deep brain stimulation, while dyskinesia may be treated with surgery.

Unfortunately, these syndromes can be permanent, even after the discontinuation of the offending agent. It is essential to distinguish between these two diseases since the course of treatment and the potential for complications may vary.

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  • What is the Difference Between Tardive Dyskinesia and Dystonia?
  • Comparative Table: Tardive Dyskinesia vs Dystonia

    • Comparative Table: Tardive Dyskinesia vs Dystonia

    Tardive dyskinesia and dystonia are both neurological movement disorders caused by increased signaling of nerves to muscles, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions. However, they have distinct characteristics and symptoms. Here is a table comparing the differences between tardive dyskinesia and dystonia:

    Feature Tardive Dyskinesia Dystonia
    Definition Uncontrollable mouthing and lip-smacking grimaces that develop following the long-term use of neuroleptics. Abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscle spasms or abnormal postures.
    Causes Always caused by long-term use of neuroleptics. Caused by various factors such as different drugs, neurodegenerative diseases, and traumatic damages to the central nervous system.
    Symptoms Involuntary muscle movements, swaying of the body, twitching, anxiety, fidgeting, wriggling, bobbing of the head, restlessness. Involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, twisting of muscles, abnormal postures.
    Treatment Medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Medication, physical therapy, botulinum toxin injections, and deep brain stimulation.

    It is essential to distinguish between these two diseases since the course of treatment may differ.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.