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Another resource would be the National Association for Tardive Dyskinesia and Tardive Dystonia. Their office is located at 4244 N.E. University Way, Box 45732, Seattle, WA 98145. Tel: (206) 522-3166. ----- Original Message ----- From: (Martha Rohrer) <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, November 29, 1999 8:10 PM Subject: Re: Tardive Dyskinesia > Sandra asked: > > >Could you please advise on the available treatment and nursing = > >management for Tardive Dyskinesia. > > A good start is available at: > > The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland has patient information for tardive > dyskinesia available at: > > http://www.ninds.nih.gov/patients/disorder/tardive/tardive.htm > > Excerpts: > > DESCRIPTION: Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of > neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well > as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by > repetitive,involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, > tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements > of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Impaired movements of the fingers may appear as > though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano. > > TREATMENT: There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly > individualized. The first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug. > However,for patients with a severe underlying condition this may not be a feasible option. > Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some patients. Other drugs such as > benzodiazepines, adrenergic antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial. >