Dyskinesia Parkinson's Disease

Dyskinesia involves uncontrolled and unusual movements of the body, often repetitive. People commonly assume dyskinesia is a symptom of Parkinson's disease, but dyskinesia is actually a side effect of the drug typically prescribed to treat Parkinson's.

Parkinson's Symptoms

• The primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors or shaking, stiff and aching muscles, limited movement and instability when standing or walking.

Levodopa

• Levodopa is the most frequently-prescribed medication for Parkinson's disease. However, long-term use of this drug tends to cause increasing problems with dyskinesia, particularly when higher doses are needed to control Parkinson's symptoms.

Dyskinesia in the Limbs

• Dyskinesia movements can occur nearly anywhere in the body. The most common manifestations include uncontrolled arm or leg movements.

Upper Body Dyskinesia

• A person with dyskinesia may make twisting, rocking, writhing or weaving movements with his upper body. When walking, he may have to lurch from side to side to reach his destination.

Facial Movements

• Uncontrolled facial movements are also common in dyskinesia. The person may grimace, smack or pucker her lips, make chewing motions or blink her eyes rapidly.

Prevention

• Dyskinesia effects are difficult to treat, so Parkinson's patients usually do not begin levodopa therapy until other drugs, such as dopamine agonists, no longer can control symptoms. Levodopa dosage is kept as low as possible.