dyskinetic

Dyskinetic is an adjective used in medicine to describe dyskinesia, a group of movement disorders characterized by abnormal, involuntary movements. Dyskinetic movements are typically irregular, non-purposeful, and may involve the face, limbs, trunk, or other body parts. The term is descriptive rather than diagnostic and can apply to a range of conditions in which motor control is disrupted.

Dyskinesias arise from dysfunction in the brain circuits that regulate movement, particularly the basal ganglia. They may be primary, as in certain hereditary movement disorders, or secondary to another condition. They are commonly associated with Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy, or following prolonged treatment with dopamine receptor-blocking medications such as antipsychotics. Levodopa-induced dyskinesia is a well-known complication of Parkinson's therapy.

Dyskinetic manifestations include choreiform movements (rapid, irregular jerky motions), dystonic postures (sustained twisting or abnormal postures), athetosis (slow, writhing movements), and other abnormal patterns. The umbrella term dyskinesia can encompass various patterns, including tardive dyskinesia, which often emerges after long-term antipsychotic use, as well as other hyperkinetic syndromes. Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and examination, with imaging or laboratory tests used to identify underlying causes when needed.

Management focuses on treating the underlying condition and minimizing medication-related risks. Options may include adjusting or changing medications, physical therapy, and targeted therapies such as VMAT2 inhibitors (valbenazine, deutetrabenazine) for tardive dyskinesia, or botulinum toxin injections for focal dystonias. In severe, refractory cases, surgical approaches like deep brain stimulation may be considered. Prognosis depends on the cause and response to treatment.