What is tardive dyskinesia?

• A. Seizure activity
• B. High blood pressure
• C. Digestive upset
• D. Involuntary muscle movement of the face, mouth, tongue, legs, arms and trunk

Answer: (D)

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder caused by long-term use of dopamine-blocking medications, such as older antipsychotics. The key feature is involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, mouth, and tongue, and it can involve the arms, legs, and trunk. This makes the description focusing on involuntary muscle movements in the face, mouth, tongue, legs, arms, and trunk the best fit. It’s not seizures, high blood pressure, or digestive upset. Tardive dyskinesia can develop after prolonged exposure to these drugs and may persist even after stopping them, so recognizing it and adjusting treatment is important. Clinicians monitor for it (often with screening tools) and may switch medications or use specific treatments if symptoms arise.