3 useful ways to manage tardive dyskinesia
As per estimates, around 500,000 people in the country are affected by tardive dyskinesia. It is a condition where patients display repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting, lip-smacking, and rapid blinking. The disorder could be due to several factors, but it is often the side effect of specific treatments. So, the symptoms may reduce once the treatment plan is revised. Here are the treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options The first thing to do after experiencing the symptoms is to visit a doctor. The health expert may recommend a few treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia, such as those discussed below. Patients must keep the professional informed about the disorder’s progression after starting these treatments: INGREZZA This treatment is recommended for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Its effectiveness is not proven for children. INGREZZA must be used orally once a day or as advised by the doctor to control movements in the tongue, face, or other body regions. It reduces the effects of a specific brain chemical responsible for involuntary movements. INGREZZA may have side effects like sleepiness and heart rhythm problems. Deutetrabenazine It is another effective treatment to control involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia patients and help them get on with their day-to-day routine work. Deutetrabenazine prevents the absorption of specific chemicals into the central nervous system, helping the nerves and muscles work naturally. Some side effects include body pain, chills, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Foods choices Choosing the right foods when dealing with tardive dyskinesia is crucial for two reasons. One, patients have difficulty swallowing, and two, the right foods help keep the gut healthy and avoid issues like constipation, which can be detrimental for those with this condition. Here are the foods to eat: Fruit juices Juices of fruits like grapes and pomegranates are best for people with this disorder as they are easy to swallow.