Dyskinesia

/ˌdɪskɪˈniːʒə/ noun

Definition

Involuntary, abnormal movements of the body that a person cannot control, often caused by neurological conditions or certain medications.

Etymology

From Greek 'dys-' (bad, difficult) + 'kinesis' (movement). The term was adopted into medical English in the late 19th century as neurologists described movement disorders more precisely.

Kelly Says

Tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of some antipsychotic medications, paradoxically causes the very symptoms it's meant to treat—leading to one of medicine's most ethically challenging dilemmas in psychiatric care.

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