
Because of the sensitive connection between nerves and muscles, disorders that disrupt this communication system can be very difficult to treat. One such disorder, tardive dyskinesia, can result in permanent muscular spasms that may be painful and embarrassing. If you have been diagnosed with this problem, here are some treatment options that may be able to help.
First, it is important to realize the causes of this condition. While it may develop without warning, one primary source of tardive dyskinesia is now known to be Reglan, a medication often prescribed to treat chronic acid reflux and heartburn. Thus, the Food and Drug Administration has placed a Black Box on Reglan, warning consumers that it has been linked to increased numbers of neuromuscular disorders like tardive dyskinesia. Reglan contains a potent ingredient calls metoclopramide, which normally stimulates the upper gastrointestinal tract in order to force your food along faster. This keeps stomach acid from building up and splashing up into your esophagus, causing the unpleasant feeling of heartburn.
At the same time, metoclopramide interferes with the dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is used in nerve-muscle communication. The actions of metoclopramide can permanently disrupt this communication loop, which causes you to lose control over your muscles. This results in involuntary spasms of the face, such as lip smacking, tongue twirling, and jaw movements.
To help you deal with this condition, doctors and researchers have developed several treatment options which can help alleviate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, not get rid of it altogether. These include:
Benzodiazepine drugs an anti-convulsant and muscle relaxant that has been shown to help a few sufferers of tardive dyskinesia, but not everyone.
Partial dopamine agonists drugs that activate dopamine receptors even when dopamine is not present.
Amine-depleting drugs these medications reduce the amount of dopamine in the brain.
In some cases, anti-Parkinson's medication as well as Huntington's medication has been shown to help tardive dyskinesia sufferers as well. For people with minor, localized tardive dyskinesia, Botox injections can help paralyze the twitching muscles and alleviate convulsions. Some children who are affected by metoclopramide treatment, resulting in tardive dyskinesia, have responded to intensive therapy after they stop taking Reglan.
Sadly, though, adults typically cannot completely rid themselves of tardive dyskinesiathe damage is usually permanent. The only way to prevent you from developing tardive dyskinesia from metoclopramide is to avoid Reglan completely.
The pharmaceutical company responsible for placing such a dangerous medication such as Reglan on the market should be held responsible. Reglan causes neuromuscular disorders that can interfere with your ability to live your normal life. If you have developed tardive dyskinesia or another condition due to Reglan usage, please visit the website of the Reglan attorneys from Williams Kherkher today to learn more about your legal options.
About the author:
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/treatment-options-for-tardive-dyskinesia-2090570.html
Non Painful Muscle Spasms, Painful Muscle Spasms in Feet, Painful Muscle Spasms in Legs, Painful Muscle Spasms in Back, Painful Muscle Spasms throughout Body, Muscle Spasms and Injury, Body Muscle Spasms Pain, Painful Spasm in Feet,



