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How is Tardive Dyskinesia diagnosed?

See how Tardive Dyskinesia is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive Dyskinesia diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia


Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body. It is primarily caused by long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs, which are commonly prescribed for psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.


Diagnosing TD can be challenging as its symptoms can be similar to other movement disorders. However, there are specific criteria and diagnostic tools that healthcare professionals use to identify and confirm the presence of TD.


Clinical Evaluation


The first step in diagnosing TD involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a neurologist or psychiatrist. The evaluation includes:



  • Medical History: The healthcare professional will review the patient's medical history, including any psychiatric conditions, medications taken, and the duration of their use.

  • Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess the presence and severity of abnormal movements. The healthcare professional will observe the patient's face, limbs, and trunk for any involuntary movements.

  • Review of Symptoms: The patient will be asked about any symptoms they are experiencing, such as facial grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, or repetitive movements of the limbs.


Diagnostic Criteria


Once the clinical evaluation suggests the possibility of TD, specific diagnostic criteria are used to confirm the diagnosis. The most commonly used criteria are the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and the Schooler-Kane criteria.



  • Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS): AIMS is a standardized rating scale that assesses the severity of abnormal movements associated with TD. It consists of a series of specific movements that are observed and scored by the healthcare professional. A score above a certain threshold indicates the presence of TD.

  • Schooler-Kane criteria: The Schooler-Kane criteria are a set of guidelines that help differentiate TD from other movement disorders. These criteria consider the duration of medication use, the presence of abnormal movements, and the exclusion of other potential causes of the symptoms.


Additional Tests


In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the abnormal movements and to confirm the diagnosis of TD. These tests may include:



  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for any underlying medical conditions or abnormalities that could be contributing to the symptoms.

  • Neuroimaging: Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to assess the structure and function of the brain and rule out other neurological disorders.


Collaboration with Specialists


Diagnosing TD often requires collaboration between different healthcare professionals, including neurologists, psychiatrists, and movement disorder specialists. Their expertise and experience in recognizing and differentiating movement disorders are crucial in accurately diagnosing TD.


It is important to note that early detection and diagnosis of TD are essential for timely intervention and management. If you or someone you know is experiencing abnormal movements while taking antipsychotic medications, it is crucial to seek medical attention and discuss the symptoms with a healthcare professional.


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I don't know if it started before I started taking Latuda (an atypical antipsychotic), or after, but sometimes the corner of my mouth sort of twitches upwards. It is the left side.

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