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Remedies and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia

Remedies and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), in most cases, develops as an uncommon side effect of specific existing neurological prescriptions. Patients develop visible facial symptoms, including lip smacking, rapid blinking, and tongue thrusting, among others. These symptoms are triggered due to basic involuntary muscle contractions as the brain releases excess dopamine when one has tardive dyskinesia. There is no cure, but read on to know the prescriptions, treatments, and suggested lifestyle changes for the condition:

Prescriptions for tardive dyskinesia
One of the primary treatment methods suggested by specialists is the prevention of the symptoms and minimizing the risk of progression. Several FDA-approved prescriptions have proven to be effective in managing symptoms.

Ingrezza®
Ingrezza® once-a-day capsules are approved for treating and managing motor control issues linked to tardive dyskinesia. Adults can take the daily dose as suggested by their healthcare providers to manage specific facial and body movements that are involuntarily triggered during the disease progression. It controls the brain’s release of dopamine, one of the primary hormones linked to motor control, to prevent uncoordinated movements. Several clinical trials conducted revealed that the symptoms were managed within a period of six to eight weeks with a daily prescription. Continued use further improved outlook and quality of life among those dealing with moderate to severe symptoms.

Austedo®
Marketed under the brand name Austedo®, deutetrabenazine is a prescription given with existing treatment alternatives to manage movement-related problems caused by tardive dyskinesia. Symptoms can range from mild twitching, jerking, shaking, or blinking primarily affecting the face. The FDA-approved prescription has been recommended for patients after several clinical trials and studies and shows a reduction in the frequency and intensity of involuntary movements. Austedo® belongs to a class of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 VMAT2 inhibitors. These prescriptions are effective in lowering the dopamine signals sent by the brain to control specific movements. Since it can be prescribed with existing treatments, the dosage will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and progression of tardive dyskinesia. Doctors start with a low dose to see how the body and mind react before making changes to improve the long-term outlook.

Standard treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia

Botox
Botox is commonly used to change the appearance of facial wrinkles, control certain types of muscle spasms, lower excessive sweating under the armpits, treat a lazy eye, and even for managing tardive dyskinesia. Botox or botulinum toxin is processed in the lab to make it safe for injection use on the muscle. Its primary purpose is to prevent the release of acetylcholine responsible for muscle contractions, thus allowing the muscles to relax. It is suggested for managing the facial contractions and involuntary muscle movements, among other symptoms of similar neurological conditions. A couple of doses of Botox can prevent muscle spasms from recurring for at least three months. Adults over the age of 18 can consider this treatment alternative for managing involuntary reflexes and contractions that disrupt facial features and expressions. However, note that Botox injections need to be taken regularly, at least once in three months, as prescribed by the doctor for long-term efficacy. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes about 30 minutes to map and inject the botulinum toxin. Results may be visible within the first week after injection.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
DBS is one of the treatments suggested for Parkinson’s disease, and it may also be suggested for patients with tardive dyskinesia. Note that it is opted for in cases where most standard treatments have failed to deliver results. That is because DBS is an invasive procedure that uses electrical currents to alter the function of certain neurons. The treatment is FDA approved and has been instrumental in helping patients who didn’t benefit from standard approaches for neurological disorders. The brain simulates neurons responsible for impulse control. DBS uses controlled electrical currents to alter the functioning of a neuron, specially those linked to involuntary movement disorders like Parkinson’s, dystonia, essential tremors, and even epilepsy. All of this can be achieved wirelessly once the implants are in place. Both the healthcare provider and patients have access to the control settings, and it is adjusted with multiple follow-up appointments to get the right stimulation.

Lifestyle changes to overcome motor control issues
Prescriptions and treatments are believed to work better with the following changes to better manage tardive dyskinesia.

Live an active lifestyle
Regular exercise, stress relieving techniques, and practicing good sleep hygiene can improve physical control, promote better mood, and boost immunity to manage symptoms of tardive dyskinesia further.

Consider joining support groups
Joining a support group can boost morale and help patients overcome social anxiety. There are many coping mechanisms that can teach patients to overcome stressful situations when the symptoms flare up.

Observe any progression
Depending on family members and close friends to monitor and observe daily movements can provide better insights for the doctor to modify treatment plans. Tardive dyskinesia is a progressive disorder, so it all comes down to what can be done to prevent the symptoms from worsening in the long run.

At any point, if the symptoms or control issues worsen, immediate attention from a health professional is advisable. Also, do not make any changes to daily routine, prescriptions, or lifestyle without first consulting with the healthcare specialist. Remember all changes will present side effects that also need to be addressed promptly.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 odors that lead to migraine attacks

Migraines are unbearable headaches that can last for hours or even days. About 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men in the country suffer from the condition. There are various stages of a migraine attack, such as prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. A common trigger for migraines is osmophobia, where strong odors trigger the condition. Health experts say migraines are also triggered by genetics, bright lights, hormonal changes, and several other factors such as: Car exhaust The amount of vehicular traffic on the road ensures that one passes by hundreds of automobiles every day. They may even drive one to work and other destinations. However, this simple occurrence could be triggering migraine symptoms in an individual. Cars give out carbon monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, colorless gas and is a byproduct of engine combustion. Once inhaled, the gas can stay inside for several hours. Pesticides Pesticides can be chemical substances, biological agents like a virus, bacterium, antimicrobial, or disinfectants. They are created to prevent or eliminate pests that may damage crops and other vegetation in farms and other regions. However, properties in pesticides such as DDT, chlordane, and toxaphene can negatively impact the human body. These chemicals can trigger migraines that can last for hours. Furthermore, pesticides are also the cause of other health conditions like cancer, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease. Perfumes People wear perfumes for work, parties, and several other occasions. These cosmetic products contain chemicals that give them a unique fragrance that many individuals enjoy. However, some people are allergic to the chemicals used in perfumes. When inhaled, the chemicals may irritate their sinuses and cause them to swell. When the sinuses do not drain properly, pressure can build up and lead to throbbing headaches in people with osmophobia. Nail polish Nail polish can enhance how nails look and also prevent them from absorbing water, thus acting as a protective film. However, several brands that make nail polish add ingredients like toluene, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and dibutyl phthalate. The fumes released from these chemicals can trigger severe headaches that can be long-lasting. Nail polish fumes can also trigger other problems with the nervous system, including hallucinations, drowsiness, and seizures. So, despite its cosmetic appeal, one should consult with a trained professional before using nail polish, especially if they have osmophobia. Cleaning products Whether it's the living room, kitchen, or bathroom, it is imperative to keep all rooms in the house clean. However, most commonly used cleaning products have chemicals that release harmful gases into the air. The common gases in cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, ethanol, dichlorobenzene, and terpenes. Furthermore, these compounds can trigger symptoms in patients suffering from migraines. The same goes for detergents used in the washing machine. These contain similar properties that may trigger an acute migraine attack. Asphalt Asphalt is a black or brown petroleum-like material with a consistency ranging from a viscous liquid to a glassy solid. The product is often used to pave roads and contains compounds like hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon. People who are affected by osmophobia can suffer from recurring migraine attacks. Recurrences happen because of exposure and inhalation of the fumes released by asphalt. However, even individuals with no preexisting symptoms may experience symptoms like headaches when they accidentally inhale asphalt fumes. Treatments for migraine symptoms Several treatments help prevent and reduce the recurrence of migraines. A few recommended treatment options include: Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant) Nurtec® ODT is a fast-acting prescription for migraine symptoms with effects that last up to 48 hours. The disintegrating 75mg dose should be taken once daily or as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The prescription must also be limited to 18 doses in 30 days. Nurtec® ODT is indicated for acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. The prescription also helps prevent episodic migraines in adults. By signing up for Nurtec® ODT Savings and Support Copay card, eligible patients may get the prescription for a price lower than what they would originally pay. Ubrelvy® (ubrogepant) Ubrelvy® is another popular prescription to ease the symptoms of migraines. It is recommended for treating migraines in adult patients with or without aura. However, one must not use Ubrelvy® to prevent migraine headaches; it is also not known if the option can be given to children. The prescription can be taken with or without food, as indicated by a healthcare specialist. Patients can also take a second tablet two hours after the first if it is approved by the specialist. Patients eligible for the Ubrelvy® U-Save card may pay as low as $0 once they qualify for the savings card. QULIPTA™ (atogepant) Qulipta™ is indicated for long-term relief from migraines. This prescription treatment for migraines must be administered orally and once daily. Qulipta™ is also indicated for consumption with or without food. However, the patient must follow the dosage prescribed by their healthcare provider. One can also save on prescription purchases when they enroll Qulipta™ Complete Savings Card. If the patient is commercially insured, they can pay as less as $0 a month. There is also additional support for eligible patients with insurance coverage limitations.

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