Dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal movements which are uncontrolled and involuntary. The symptoms of this condition worsen with time. It can affect any part of the body like the arms, legs, or head. In some cases, it affects the entire body.

Dyskinesia is often associated with Parkinson’s disease which is a neurological disorder. Parkinson’s disease leads to the death of brain cells responsible for producing a hormone, dopamine. Due to this, the levels of dopamine fluctuate constantly. It is essential to understand that dyskinesia is not a symptom of Parkinson’s disease; it is a side effect of levodopa, which is the medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Levodopa is responsible for temporarily restoring the levels of dopamine, but because it has to be taken several times in a day, the dopamine levels fall and rise through the day. As a result, it is impossible for the body to maintain steady dopamine levels in the brain and body. The spike in dopamine levels after taking the medication can lead to dyskinesia.

According to research, about 50% of the people in the country who use levodopa are at risk of developing dyskinesia. It is a distressing side effect as parts of the body seem to move on their own.

If a person does not take levodopa or reduces the dosage of this medication out of fear of dyskinesia, they risk having to deal with the painful symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Some of these symptoms are stiffness in the arms, legs, trunks, and problems with maintaining balance. So, it is essential to take levodopa continuously to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Note that not everyone who takes levodopa experiences dyskinesia. Additionally, the severity of dyskinesia will also vary from one person to another.

Dyskinesia usually occurs due to a complication arising from the long-term use of levodopa. So, factors like getting diagnosed at a young age increase the risk of this condition as a person may have levodopa more frequently and in stronger and higher doses for extended durations of time.

Symptoms of dyskinesia
Some of the symptoms of this condition are:

• Swaying
• Restlessness
• Fidgeting
• Wriggling
• Twitching
• Bobbing of the head

The degree of severity of these symptoms varies according to the patient’s age and the severity of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment options for dyskinesia
One of the treatment measures to manage dyskinesia is consulting with a movement disorder specialist, who focuses on special training and conditioning for people who have this illness. Some research studies are trying to find alternatives to levodopa to prevent the development of this condition. In some cases, the dosage of levodopa may be adjusted to treat the symptoms of this condition.

Stress can worsen the symptoms of this condition, and so, doctors may recommend stress-busting activities like yoga, tai chi, and other such exercises to reduce the risk of this condition.