Have you heard of respiratory dyskinesia? What is respiratory dyskinesia and how can you best manage it? Let's discuss it.
Dyskinesia means involuntary, uncontrolled, dance-like movements. Dyskinesia's can impact any body part, but when it impacts the respiratory system it is called Respiratory Dyskinesia. This can be observed as the occurrence of irregular and rapid breathing.
Why does it occur?
We use muscles to help us breathe. With Parkinson's, the lack of dopamine impacts one's ability to control their muscle function. Since breathing is very much dependent on muscle function, PD can impact breathing as well.
Sometimes dyskinesia's can happen due to long term use of levodopa. This is commonly referred to as "levodopa-induced dyskinesia."
It is important to note that respiratory dyskinesia is relatively rare.
The older you are and the longer you have been diagnosed with PD increase your risk for dyskinesia.
Mangement
Call 911 or seek medical care immediately if you are having an acute bout of confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness. Respiratory dyskinesia can increase your risk of aspiration, or inhaling food or drink.
If you are experiencing respiratory dyskinesia, visit a speech language pathologist (SLP). An SLP can help improve your coordination with breathing, drinking and eating, provide tips and tricks to promote safer breathing and eating, and more.
Track your symptoms. Tracking can help bring to light any specific triggers towards your symptoms. It can also highlight areas with your medication and eating that need to be modified. If your symptoms are tied to your OFF times, this would be important to discuss with your neurologist.
Adding an extended release formula of levodopa can help minimize dyskinsia related to OFF times.
Adding medications, such as a COMT inhibitor can be helpful.
DBS may be an appropriate option.
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