What is the Connection Between Parkinson's and Dyskinesia?

Parkinson's and dyskinesia are very closely connected. Disorders of movement, including dyskinesia, are symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and in addition, certain treatments for Parkinson's can actually cause dyskinesia. The approach to management and treatment of Parkinson's is constantly shifting as more is learned about the condition and new treatments are developed. Patients can receive the best care from a neurologist who specializes in handling Parkinson's patients, and thus has access to the most updated information on this condition.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder involving the area of the brain that regulates movements. Patient with this condition develop issues like tremors, bradykinesia or slow movements, and dyskinesia, where they experience involuntary movements like tics and have difficulty controlling voluntary movements. People with Parkinson's disease are often prescribed levodopa to manage this condition, and patients on this medication in the long term can develop dyskinesia as a complication.

Awareness of the fact that Parkinson's and dyskinesia can go hand in hand is important. Patients with advanced untreated Parkinson's will have severe movement disorders and can find it difficult to complete daily tasks before of the poor motor control and tremors. These issues are not necessarily resolved with treatment when the treatment itself can exacerbate the movement disorders.

Patients in treatment for Parkinson's disease should be evaluated regularly by a neurologist. The doctor can see how the Parkinson's and dyskinesia are progressing and make adjustments to a patient's treatment plan to address any observed changes. Patients with Parkinson's and dyskinesia may also benefit from physical therapy and other measures to help them regain motor control and develop better motor skills. Things like devices designed to help people open jars and perform other tasks are also useful for people with Parkinson's and dyskinesia, as they may have trouble living independently without some adaptive devices.

For patients, Parkinson's and dyskinesia can be frustrating as they may attract unwanted attention, limit independence, and make patients feel helpless. Since Parkinson's can also be accompanied by issues like memory loss and slowed cognition, being diagnosed with this condition may be frightening as people imagine their eventual neurological decline. Working with a Parkinson's specialist, participating in clinical trials, and developing plans for the future can help patients feel more in control, and may result in increased confidence. More confident patients tend to experience a higher quality of life and may be more motivated to engage in activities to improve their prognoses.