dyskinesia and dystonia

[Tomkins]

hello

Am I right that dyskinesia (involuntary movement) of eg mouth and tongue may be caused by either PD symptoms getting worse or a side effect of L-Dopa medication? How do you know which it is?

Could someone provide me with a lay person’s definition of the difference between dystonia and dyskinesia?

what causes dystonia and how is it treated?

if this is explained elsewhere on this web discussion group pls let me know

many thanks

[MBAnderson]

Dyskinesia looks like fidgeting, writhing, wriggling, head bobbing or body swaying. Dyskinesia is caused when L-dopa levels are on their way up or down or peaking.

Dystonia is muscle cramping often in the toes and back, but can occur anywhere.

Various PD pharmaceuticals provide relief.

[Tomkins in reply to MBAnderson]

thanks for that helpful reply MBAndersonis there a beginners guide to dyskinesia for a lay audience that you would recommend?

[MBAnderson in reply to Tomkins]

The Parkinson's Foundation, the MJFF, the Davis Phinney Foundation or the APDA all provide good info.

[EJMo]

I need to return your The New Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Book, which I’ve held onto for far too long, as that may help you with an answer. I’ll pop by with it today.

[Isthistheone]

Both dyskenesia and dystonia are conditions associated with advanced Parkinson's. All this extra body movement is lately believed to be caused by long-term use of the meds PWP take, notably carbadopa and levodopa. Dystonia is a higher level of dyskenesia, to the point of being painful. Gocovrie is extended release Amandine. It does have side effects. For me it made my existing orthostatic hypotension worse. That lasted for 6 weeks. I make sure to stay well hydrated and added salt to my evening meal. I take one 68.5 mg capsule at bedtime and one at 11 am. I still have bouts of dyskenesia and dystonia but it's more manageable.

Hope this helps.