Posted by Cam W. on February 26, 2001, at 15:07:08
In reply to Tardive Dystonia Question (Cam W?), posted by steve on February 26, 2001, at 1:01:13
Steve - Tardive dystonia (I have never heard of) differs from tardive dyskinesia (TD) in that while both appear late in the development of the disorder (tardive), dystonia refers to prolonged muscle contractions that may cause twisting repetitive movements or abnormal posture. Dystonic movements may be in the form of rhythmic jerks. The condition may progress in childhood, but progression is rare in adults. In children the legs are usually the first affected. The cause of dystonias could be from head traumas, strokes, brain tumors, toxic levels of manganeses or carbon disulfide, wasp stings or the side effects of some drugs used to treat parkinsonism or some antipsychotics.
Removal of the offending drug or treatment of the condition with anticholinergics, levodopa, localized botulanum toxin (for focal dystonias) have been used to reverse the dystonias.
I have never heard of "tardive dystonia" but, as I have said before diagnosis and disease states are really out of the realm of my expertise. I really am only an expert in psychopharmaceuticals.
OTOH - "Tardive dyskinesia" is a condition of slow, rhythmical, automatic stereotyped movements, either generalized or in a single muscle group. These occur as an undesired effect of therapy with certain psychotropic drugs (esp. the traditional antipsychotics like phenothiazines).
"Tardive dyskinesia" is usually (mostly) irreversible, or at least very hard to treat, but I don't know about "tardive dystonia" as I have never heard of it. Dystonias, in general, are easier to treat than tardive dyskinesia (but, like I say, I don't know about "tardive dystonia"). I'm not saying that this disorder doesn't exist; I am saying that it is out of my area of expertise and the information I have given is out of a medical dictionary.
Sorry that I cannot be of more help - Cam
> Hi,
>
> Does anyone know if tardive dystonia is a permanent condition, in the sense that
> it comes and goes, or is it a constant state.
>
> TIA
poster:Cam W.
thread:54845
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/54919.html