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Facial dyskinesia: a 16-year follow-up study.
H A McClelland1, A V Metcalfe, T A Kerr
1St Nicholas Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Summary
Facial dyskinesia increased significantly in female mental hospital survivors over 16 years, linked to neuroleptic dosage. Brain scan results showed enlarged ventricles associated with dyskinesia and cognitive issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Research
Background:
- Facial dyskinesia, a potential side effect of antipsychotic medication, can impact quality of life.
- Long-term effects of neuroleptic medication on mental health patients require ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term prevalence and development of facial dyskinesia in female mental hospital survivors.
- To investigate the association between neuroleptic dosage, brain structure, and dyskinesia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 109 female mental hospital survivors, initially surveyed in 1965, were followed up for 16 years.
- Analysis focused on 99 survivors with non-organic brain syndromes, examining dyskinesia prevalence, neuroleptic dosage, and brain scan data (ventricle size).
Main Results:
- Dyskinesia prevalence rose from 18.4% to 46.5% over the 16-year follow-up period.
- Increased neuroleptic dosage was significantly associated with the development of dyskinesia.
- Enlarged brain ventricles correlated significantly with dyskinesia, cognitive impairment, and neuroleptic prescribing.
Conclusions:
- Long-term neuroleptic exposure may increase the risk of developing facial dyskinesia in this population.
- Brain imaging findings suggest a link between structural brain changes, neuroleptic use, and neurological side effects.