Editor's note: This post was originally published on February 8, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

Tardive dyskinesia, often called TD, is a medication-related movement disorder that causes involuntary movements of the face or body. Symptoms can be subtle at first and may develop after months or years of taking certain medications. In some cases, they can continue or become noticeable after the medication is stopped.

“Tardive” means late or delayed, while “dyskinesia” refers to abnormal movement. TD differs from some other drug-induced movement disorders because it may not resolve immediately once a medication is discontinued.

What Does Tardive Dyskinesia Look Like?

Tardive dyskinesia often appears as repetitive movements a person cannot control, especially around the mouth, tongue, jaw, and eyes. The movements may be slow or rapid, and they can range from mild to severe. Because they may begin gradually, a person or loved one may not recognize them right away.

Common facial and mouth symptoms include:

• Repeated chewing motions when the mouth is empty
• Lip smacking, puckering, or pursing
• Puffing out the cheeks
• Tongue thrusting or sticking out the tongue involuntarily
• Jaw swinging or side-to-side jaw movements
• Facial grimacing
• Rapid or frequent blinking

These symptoms are often referred to as orofacial dyskinesia because they affect the mouth and face. Tardive dyskinesia may interfere with speaking, eating, or social interactions, depending on its severity.

Can Tardive Dyskinesia Affect the Arms, Legs, or Other Parts of the Body?

Yes. While TD is commonly associated with the face and mouth, it can also cause involuntary movements in the hands, fingers, arms, legs, feet, pelvis, and trunk. These movements may make ordinary activities more difficult and can appear as restless, repetitive, or jerky motions.

Possible body and limb symptoms include:

• Wiggling or “piano-playing” finger movements
• Tapping, twisting, or moving the feet
• Flapping or repetitive arm movements
• Rocking or swaying from side to side
• Pelvic thrusting or rocking
• Uncontrolled movements of the torso

The exact symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience primarily facial movements, while others notice symptoms affecting several areas of the body.

What Medications Can Cause Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is most often associated with medications that affect dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in movement control. Certain antipsychotic medications are commonly linked to TD, but some medications used for digestive disorders may also carry a risk.

Medications that may be associated with tardive dyskinesia include:

• Older and newer antipsychotic medications
• Certain medications used to treat nausea or delayed stomach emptying, including metoclopramide
• Other medications that affect dopamine signaling

Risk can depend on the medication, dosage, length of use, and individual health factors. TD may occur after months or years of treatment, though it can develop sooner in some cases.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Possible Tardive Dyskinesia?

You should contact your prescribing doctor promptly if you notice new involuntary movements while taking, or after taking, a medication that may affect dopamine. Early evaluation matters because a medical provider can determine whether the symptoms may be related to TD or another movement disorder and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Do not stop or change a prescribed medication on your own. A healthcare provider may recommend a gradual medication change, a different medication, or other treatment based on your circumstances.

It can be helpful to:

• Write down when the movements started
• Note all current and recently discontinued medications
• Record how often symptoms occur and what body parts they affect
• Ask a family member or friend whether they have noticed changes
• Keep copies of prescription records and medical visits related to the symptoms

Can Tardive Dyskinesia Be Permanent?

Tardive dyskinesia can improve for some people, particularly when it is recognized and addressed early, but symptoms may persist even after the medication is stopped. In some cases, involuntary movements can worsen or become permanent.

If you believe a medication caused serious or lasting harm, preserve your medical and pharmacy records and consider speaking with an attorney about your situation. The team at MGM Injury Attorneys can review the circumstances and help you understand whether you may have legal options.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.