Dyskinesia is a generic term used to describe a wide variety of movement disorders. The brain controls all movements in the body. Even a simple seeming activity of a hand reaching out to pick up something or if one has to smile has various muscles and nerves at work which coordinate and make sure that the activity is completed. Though these processes may seem simple, the amount of work that goes behind them makes it quite complicated. These movements involve various muscles and nerve fibers through which impulses flow and any problem in any part of the process can result in poor movement. Dyskinesia is a condition that could affect muscle movements or cause involuntary movements. The sufferer undergoes painful experiences as they are unable to control these involuntary movements. Dyskinesia refers to a group of involuntary muscle movements. These involuntary muscle movements can be identified as follows: Something obvious such as the tics or muscle twitches on the face to invisible involuntary muscles like the lungs and intestines. A one-off instance that does not require any attention or could be a chronic condition that needs to be treated as it affects a person’s overall quality of life. Effect on one part of the body such as the facial muscles or the entire body.

Dyskinesia is a term given to a group of movement disorders. It is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or could be a side effect of prolonged use of antipsychotic medications. Dystonia is the term used for movement disorders with Parkinson’s. In the instance prolonged use of antipsychotic medications, it is referred to as tardive dyskinesia or chronic dyskinesia. As these individuals are already suffering from other conditions (Parkinson’s or psychosis), it is critical to watch for symptoms of dyskinesia so that they can be diagnosed in the early stages and mid-course corrections can be done if required at the earliest. This can have a huge impact on the overall quality of life. So, what should one look out for? Dystonia The degree and severity of symptoms will vary from one person to another. There could be a slight movement of the head or the leg to complete involuntary movement of the entire body. The patient also will demonstrate fidgeting, wriggling of the toes, nodding of the head, twitching of the mouth, and swaying of the body as some of the tell-tale signs. In people with Parkinson’s, these are apart from the tremors that are part of Parkinson’s.

As per the research, around 5 million people in the country suffer from fibromyalgia and amongst them 80-90% are women. Fibromyalgia affects middle-aged people primarily women, however, even men and adolescents can develop this condition. What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a long-term chronic disorder that affects the muscles and ligaments. In addition to this, this ailment can also cause pain, general fatigue, sleep disorder, and mental distress to the affected person. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may resemble that of arthritis but fibromyalgia affects only the soft tissues and does not cause swelling or damage to the joints, unlike arthritis. What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia? Sadly there is no cure for fibromyalgia but medications and other treatments can help reduce its symptoms. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is the pain. Other symptoms include: Fatigue Headache Depression Tiredness Breathing problems Anxiety Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet Sleep disturbance Painful menstrual periods Bowel syndrome and constipation Sensitivity to cold, heat, light, or sound Memory and concentration problems Pain in lower abdomen What causes fibromyalgia? The cause of fibromyalgia is not completely known and there have been conflicting theories about what causes fibromyalgia but according to medical researchers and doctors, this condition depends on a combination of causes.

Patients experience widespread musculoskeletal pain if they have fibromyalgia. This pain is accompanied by constant fatigue, memory problems, insomnia, and mood swings. Symptoms of fibromyalgia often start after a surgery, physical trauma, infection, or psychological stress. Women are more prone to fibromyalgia than men. Although there is no permanent cure for this disorder, its symptoms can be controlled by a variety of medications. Regular exercise, stress-reduction therapies, and relaxation techniques can also help. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia Earlier, doctors used to check 18 specific points on the body of a person to see if they caused pained when pressed firmly. Now, doctors don’t require this tender point exam to diagnose fibromyalgia. If you report having widespread musculoskeletal pain for three months, a doctor will ask you to get a few blood tests done. The blood tests one may be asked to take in this situation are as follows: Complete blood count Thyroid tests Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Rheumatoid factor Cyclic citrullinated peptide test Although there is no laboratory test for confirming fibromyalgia, the above mentioned blood tests will help your doctor to dismiss other conditions. Treatment of fibromyalgia Both self-care and medication are essential for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Doctors emphasize on minimizing symptoms of fibromyalgia and improving the overall health of patients.

Gout, often known as gouty arthritis, is a particular form of arthritis where one suffers from tenderness, redness, and severe pain in the joints. Gout is caused due to the excessive buildup of uric acid crystals and deposits in the joints, which are a result of the breakdown of food items that one eats. Though treatable, gout can give trouble for a few years and in some cases, it may be lifelong. Continue reading to know more about how gout can be diagnosed and treated best. Diagnosing gout Gout is diagnosed through different medical tests. Let’s have a closer look at what those tests are. X-ray imaging : X-rays of the joints are necessary to rule out other possible causes of joint pain and inflammation. Joint fluid testing : Examining the fluid inside the joints is needed to determine whether the patient is suffering from gout or not, as the tests show the presence of urate crystals. Ultrasound : Musculoskeletal ultrasound detects the presence of tophus or urate crystals in the joint, which points at the presence of gout. Blood test : Although blood tests cannot confirm gout, the levels of uric acid in the blood can be determined, which is essential for diagnosing gout.