UDysRS

UDysRS, or Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale, is a standardized clinical instrument used to quantify dyskinesias in people with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. It was developed to provide a reliable, comprehensive measure of the presence, severity, distribution, and impact of dyskinesias, separate from parkinsonian motor symptoms. UDysRS is used in both clinical practice and research to monitor dyskinesia progression and to evaluate treatment effects, particularly of dopaminergic therapies.

The instrument combines patient input and clinician observation across multiple domains. It includes sections that capture historical reporting of dyskinesia during daily activities, objective assessment of dyskinesia severity in different body regions, and evaluation of the distress or disability caused by the movements. Scoring is performed item by item, with higher scores reflecting greater severity and burden. The total score and subscale scores provide a nuanced picture of dyskinesia characteristics, enabling comparison across visits and studies.

UDysRS has been translated into multiple languages and subjected to psychometric validation, demonstrating reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in diverse populations. It is commonly used alongside other Parkinson's disease scales, such as the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, to distinguish dyskinesia burden from other motor symptoms.

Limitations include the need for training to administer consistently and potential variability in patient self-report. Despite this, UDysRS remains one of the standard tools for assessing dyskinesia in clinical trials and day-to-day management.