6 Tips to Manage Uncontrollable Movements

Living with a movement disorder like tardive dyskinesia can be incredibly frustrating and challenging. This condition, characterized by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable movements, often affects the face and body. Certain groups, including people of African descent, females (especially post-menopausal women), older adults over 55, and individuals with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, are at a higher risk. Experts suggest that factors like health disparities, genetics, and sensitivity to specific medications contribute to its development, with Black individuals being more likely to be prescribed medications that can cause tardive dyskinesia compared to white individuals.

Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is typically a side effect of antipsychotic medications, which work by blocking dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter in the brain. This blockage can lead to involuntary movements. These movements can manifest in two main ways: orofacial dyskinesia (affecting the face, like rapid blinking, lip smacking, or tongue movements) and limb dyskinesia (affecting arms, legs, torso, and fingers, causing tapping, rocking, or flapping motions). Symptoms might not appear for months or even years after starting the medication, making diagnosis difficult.

The signs can be subtle at first, but they can significantly impact daily life. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward seeking help and regaining control. Fortunately, there is hope, and multiple strategies, both drug-related and non-drug-related, can help manage these movements.

Six Practical Tips for Managing Uncontrollable Movements

Taking back control of your movements is possible. Here are six practical tips that can help lessen or even stop uncontrollable movements:

1. **Adjust Medication:** Lowering the dosage or stopping the current medication, under medical supervision, can often lead to a gradual reduction in symptoms.
2. **Consider New Medications:** FDA-approved medications like Valbenazine and Deutetrabenazine are specifically designed to treat tardive dyskinesia. They work by counteracting the movements and regulating dopamine flow in the brain.
3. **Practice Stress Reduction:** Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness-based stress management can help calm both the mind and body, potentially reducing the intensity of movements.
4. **Reduce Caffeine Intake:** Caffeine can affect dopamine levels and may worsen uncontrolled movements. Cutting back on caffeine intake could help alleviate symptoms.
5. **Prioritize Sleep:** Establishing healthy sleep habits is crucial for overall body function. Adequate rest can contribute to better regulation of movements.
6. **Get Botox Injections:** For facial movements, Botox injections can block nerve signals for several months, significantly reducing involuntary facial expressions.

Living with and Advocating for Movement Disorders

If you or your child are living with a movement disorder, advocating for the best possible medical care is essential for maintaining the highest quality of life. Connecting with others who share similar experiences through support groups can also provide invaluable emotional and practical support. It’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare team, attending scheduled appointments to monitor your condition and discuss any changes in symptoms or treatment effectiveness. Inform your doctor about any side effects or if your current treatment seems to be losing effectiveness.

Regular check-ups, including the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) test, are recommended, especially if you are taking antipsychotic medication, to screen for tardive dyskinesia. If you experience changes in your usual movement patterns or if symptoms interfere with daily activities, seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance and explore treatment options to help you regain control and improve your well-being.