What is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive and irregular movements. These movements most often affect the face, mouth, tongue and sometimes the arms or legs.
The name “tardive dyskinesia” means delayed abnormal movement. TD often shows up after taking certain medications for a long time, especially antipsychotic drugs used for mental health. For many people, it develops after months or years. But in some cases, especially for people over 65, it can start within a few weeks.
Research shows that about 1 in 5 people taking antipsychotic medications may develop tardive dyskinesia. While there is currently no cure, there are treatment options available that can help reduce or manage the symptoms to improve daily life. If you or a loved one is taking these medications and notices unusual movements, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away.
Tardive dyskinesia symptoms
Tardive dyskinesia, or TD, causes involuntary movements that usually affect the lips, jaw, tongue and eyes. It can also happen in the upper body, arms, hands, legs and feet.
Symptoms can change from day to day. Movements may be fast and jerky or slow and twisting. They can happen repeatedly, all the time or randomly. Stress can also make symptoms worse.
Common signs include:
- Facial twitching
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Tongue sticking out or moving side to side
- Lip puckering or smacking
- Jaw clenching
- Rocking or shifting the torso
- Twisting hands or dancing fingers
- Curling or gripping toes and feet
When to see a doctor
If you start noticing involuntary movements like twitching, lip smacking or your tongue moving without control, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. Getting checked early can help you find ways to manage the symptoms and feel better.
You should see a doctor if these movements make daily tasks harder, cause discomfort or get worse over time. If you take medications that might cause tardive dyskinesia, regular visits with your primary care provider can help you catch symptoms early.
Tardive dyskinesia causes
Tardive dyskinesia is linked to certain medications that affect brain chemicals, especially dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement, and some medicines block its action in the brain, which can lead to involuntary movements seen in this condition.
Other brain chemicals may also be involved, so different types of medications can sometimes cause tardive dyskinesia.
Medications that may lead to tardive dyskinesia include:
- Some older antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- Certain anti-nausea drugs, like metoclopramide
- Some antidepressants
- Some anti-seizure drugs
Risk factors for tardive dyskinesia
Certain factors can increase your chances of developing tardive dyskinesia, especially if you take medications that affect brain chemicals like dopamine. While not everyone with these risk factors will develop the condition, being aware of them can help you and your doctor monitor for early signs.
Common risk factors include:
- Age: Risk goes up with age, especially after 40. People over 65 have the highest chance of developing TD.
- Sex: Women, especially after menopause, are more likely than men to develop the condition.
- Race: Black people have a higher risk than white people. People of Asian or Filipino descent have the lowest risk.
- Bipolar disorder: Those with bipolar disorder who take antipsychotic medications seem to be more sensitive to developing tardive dyskinesia than others taking the same medications
How is tardive dyskinesia diagnosed?
Medical history
Your doctor will start by reviewing your personal and family health history and asking detailed questions about your symptoms. They’ll want to know when the movements started, how often they happen and whether they’re getting worse. It’s also important to share a complete list of medications you’re currently taking or have taken in the past—especially antipsychotics, anti-nausea medicines or antidepressants.
To be diagnosed with TD, symptoms must:
- Last at least one month after stopping the medication that may have caused them
- Develop after at least three months of taking the medication (or one month if you’re over age 40)
Physical and neurological exam
A physical and neurological exam helps your doctor observe and assess the type, pattern and severity of your involuntary movements. They may ask you to perform specific tasks—such as sticking out your tongue or moving your arms and legs—so they can better evaluate how the movements affect different parts of your body. Your reflexes, balance and muscle strength may also be checked to rule out other neurological issues.
They may also refer you to a specialist, like a neurologist or psychiatrist, for a more detailed evaluation, especially if symptoms are difficult to diagnose or manage.
Imaging tests
While imaging tests aren’t used to diagnose tardive dyskinesia directly, they can help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. If your symptoms are unusual or progressing rapidly, your doctor may recommend:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to take detailed pictures of your brain and look for abnormalities.
- Brain computed tomography (CT) scan: This type of imaging helps doctors diagnose brain conditions by giving detailed views of structures in the skull.
Tardive dyskinesia treatment
Tardive dyskinesia can’t be cured, but treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will work with you to create a care plan based on your symptoms, health history and how TD affects your daily activities.
Lowering or stopping the medication causing TD sometimes helps, but this isn’t always possible if it worsens your original condition. Stopping medications also sometimes causes the opposite effect, worsening the symptoms. In some cases, switching from first- to second-generation antipsychotics may reduce symptoms.
The most effective treatments are VMAT inhibitors like deutetrabenazine and valbenazine. These medications are safe and have been proven to reduce TD symptoms, especially when they interfere with daily life. Therapy and mental health support can also improve coping and well-being. Regular follow-ups with your doctor will help adjust your treatment as needed.
Find specialized care for tardive dyskinesia near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment for tardive dyskinesia at neurology centers located across North and Central Texas. Receive personalized care from a team dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking diagnosis, treatment options or need ongoing management, we are here by your side.
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 3700, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Lake Pointe
7600 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Sports Concussion Program at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 810, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 550, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology Hospitalist Group - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Associates
9101 N Central Expy Ste 230, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Headache Medicine Specialists of North Texas - Dallas
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
The Headache Center at Baylor University Medical Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Neuroscience Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas
909 N Washington Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Dallas
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Irving
2021 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 210, Irving, TX, 75061
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Fort Worth
6601 Harris Pkwy , Fort Worth, TX, 76132
Baylor Scott & White Neurosciences Clinic - Waco
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 201-A, Waco, TX, 76712
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialty Clinic - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin River Place
10815 Ranch Rd 2222 , Austin, TX, 78730
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Lakeway
2000 Medical Dr , Lakeway, TX, 78734
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls
800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Frequently asked questions
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Does tardive dyskinesia go away?
Tardive dyskinesia often doesn’t fully go away, but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Stopping the medicine that caused it might improve symptoms if caught early. While there’s no cure, medicines and therapies can help you manage symptoms and live a better life.
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Is tardive dyskinesia reversible?
Tardive dyskinesia often isn’t fully reversible, but catching it early and stopping the medicine that caused it can help. Medicines like valbenazine and deutetrabenazine may ease symptoms. Sometimes symptoms get better on their own, but TD can last a long time. Treatment focuses on helping you feel better.
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What medications cause tardive dyskenesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is often linked to long-term use of certain medications, especially antipsychotics, but it can also result from other drugs such as some antidepressants, medications for nausea and treatments for seizures.
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How common is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that affects many people in the US—about 500,000 to 600,000. It usually happens as a side effect of certain antipsychotic medicines, especially when taken for a long time. Experts estimate that between 16% and 50% of people taking these medicines may develop TD.
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How long does tardive dyskinesia last?
Tardive dyskinesia is a long-lasting condition that can last for years or decades, and can be permanent. Sometimes symptoms get better after stopping the medication that caused it, but this doesn’t happen often. While there’s no cure, treatments can help you manage symptoms and feel better. If you notice signs of TD, talk to your doctor.
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What triggers tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is usually triggered by long-term use of certain medications, especially antipsychotics, some antidepressants and anti-nausea drugs. These medicines block dopamine receptors in the brain, which can cause involuntary movements over time. Age, sex and existing health conditions can also raise the risk of developing TD.
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Does tardive dyskinesia come and go?
Tardive dyskinesia usually doesn’t come and go. Symptoms may improve if medication changes but can be permanent. Stress can also make symptoms worse. If you notice any symptoms, talk to your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.