Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I developed involuntary movements years after taking psychiatric medications and was diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia. Instead of remaining stable, it feels like it is slowly spreading and worsening.
Why does tardive dyskinesia at 51 worsen over time rather than stabilizing or improving?
Is this due to permanent nerve damage or an ongoing dopamine imbalance?
Even with medications like Valbenazine, it feels unpredictable. I am scared that this will keep progressing and affect my independence. No one really explains why some people improve while others do not, and that uncertainty is exhausting.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understood your concern.
Tardive dyskinesia happens because long-term use of dopamine-blocking medications can change the brain’s movement-control pathways.
Doctors believe the brain becomes overly sensitive to dopamine over time, which can cause involuntary movements even after the original medication is reduced or stopped.
At age 51, symptoms may worsen because of ageing, stress, fatigue, illness, or ongoing medication effects. Tardive dyskinesia can naturally fluctuate, and some people improve while others have more persistent or progressive symptoms.
Unfortunately, doctors still cannot reliably predict who will get better and who will not.
Valbenazine often helps reduce movements, but it usually controls symptoms rather than fully curing the condition, so symptoms can still feel unpredictable.
An increase in symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you will become dependent. With time, many people tend to stabilize themselves, particularly through medication and the assistance of a movement disorder specialist.
Stress and anxiety can also temporarily make movements appear worse because they affect the same brain pathways involved in tardive dyskinesia.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.