Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. The substance dopamine is responsible for coordinated muscle movements and when levels are reduced the symptoms of Parkinson’s begin to appear. Symptoms can include tremors, slow and imprecise movements, muscle rigidity, and the loss of balance. With medication it is possible to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Dyskinesia, defined as uncontrollable, abnormal, and involuntary movements, is another disorder that is a side effect because of long-term use of a Parkinson’s medication, levodopa.

1. Dyskinesia

This disorder will occur when other typical Parkinson’s symptoms are under control. When the person is feeling stressed or excited it can increase. Someone who is diagnosed with this disorder can have one body part, one side of the body, or entire body movements. The movements may look like fidgeting, wriggling, head bobbing, writhing, or body swaying. There are many people who prefer this over the stiffness and decreased mobility of Parkinson’s. Even though the cause is uncertain, it has been linked to long-term use of medications. It is possible to help the symptoms by adjusting dosages of medication or even the timing. Sometimes adding an extended release form of the medication will aid in the severity because levels will remain more stable. Adding other medication can also be used in extreme cases.

2. Medication

Levodopa is one of the best medications for treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initially, this medication can give dramatic results and benefits, though, overtime the limitations will show. People who use this medication will often become “dopa resistant”, which means that someone may have mood and cognitive impairment, as well as psychosis, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesia. It is important to be able to control the release of the medication and to be prepared for the possibility of dyskinesia getting increasingly worse. GABA levels also will lower in patients who take this medication which can increase the episodes of depression and anxiety.

3. Parkinson’s at a young age

Though it is very uncommon, it has been noted that young adults can develop Parkinson’s disease. When an individual is diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a young age it can increase the occurrence and severity of dyskinesia. This is because the individual will take the medication levodopa for a longer period of time and may require a higher dose. Since the levels of dopamine rise quickly and then fall as the day continues, it can further contribute to dyskinesia.

4. Akinetic-rigid type Parkinson’s

Akinetic-rigid is a subtype of Parkinson’s disease. This is when a patient is somewhat stiff and slow but does not experience shaking. Medication for this type of Parkinson’s will give the same results and will alleviate symptoms. In fact, the majority of patients with this form will have a faster clinical progression and a more severe decline. Those who are diagnosed with traditional Parkinson’s will typically have a more stable course of progression, unlike the rapid progression with Akinetic-rigid type.