Dyskinesia and tremors are movement disorders characterized by involuntary and undesirable muscle movements. They range from slight tremors in hands to alarmingly uncontrollable movements of the upper, lower, or entire body. These are symptoms of several major medical disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment
Effective treatment options for dyskinesia and tremors can vary from one person to another depending on certain factors:
- The severity of the condition and its symptoms
- The frequency and duration of the symptoms
- Age of the patient
- History of the presence of Parkinson’s disease and when it was diagnosed
- The duration of levodopa administration
Based on these factors, the treatment options for dyskinesia and tremors include the following:
- Adjusting the dose of levodopa
Levodopa is used to treat Parkinson’s disease by acting as a replacement agent for dopamine. Adjusting the dosage of levodopa can avoid sudden and intense fluctuations in the dopamine levels in the system. Administering levodopa in an extended-release formation or through a continuous infusion may also go a long way in improving dyskinesia. - Taking amantadine extended-release
Amantadine extended-release capsules are administered to patients affected by dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease, along with levodopa therapy or other medicines that improve the effects of dopamine in the brain. This medicine must be taken at bedtime if taking it once a day, can be taken with or without food. Also, it should not be crushed and should be swallowed whole. Although rare, one may experience side effects of these medications, including dizziness, fatigue, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, blurred eyesight, breathlessness, symptoms of a urinary tract infection, depression, mood swings, and allergies. - Varying the dosage
If levodopa is not working, one should check the dosage administered. It may be better to vary the dosage and instead of taking infrequent, heavy doses of levodopa, one can try taking smaller and more frequent doses. Also, taking it half an hour before a meal prevents the protein in the food from interfering with the absorption of the medicine. - Lifestyle
One should exercise regularly, at least by indulging in simple activities like walking, and should maintain a healthy diet. Also, they need to ensure that these changes are small and easy to implement, making them a permanent part of their lifestyle. Besides, it is best to avoid sudden and major changes and make a slow transition to an improved lifestyle. - Stress management
One should try to manage stress effectively as it can directly affect dyskinesia and worsen it. Various options like meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy are available to deal with stress, and eating healthy and exercising often can also help improve and maintain mental health. - Monotherapy
Dopamine receptor agonists can be used in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease to prevent dyskinesia. - Deep brain stimulation
A surgical treatment, this is used for severe symptoms and is mostly the last resort to treat dyskinesia. There are certain criteria to be met before taking this treatment.
