Dysphagia due to tardive dyskinesia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a complex neuroleptic-induced movement disorder.
• Dysphagia is an uncommon manifestation of TD, with few reported cases globally.
• No prior reports from India detail TD presenting solely as dysphagia.

Observation:

• A patient developed TD following extended use of typical neuroleptics.
• The primary symptom observed was isolated dysphagia, with no other movement abnormalities.
• The patient's condition significantly improved with the prescribed treatment.

Findings:

• TD can manifest as isolated dysphagia, a rare clinical presentation.
• A combination therapy of Quetiapine, Donepezil, and Vitamin E proved effective.
• This treatment approach offers a potential therapeutic strategy for similar cases.

Implications:

• Highlights the diverse and sometimes subtle presentations of TD.
• Suggests novel therapeutic options for managing TD-induced dysphagia.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering TD in patients with unexplained dysphagia, especially after neuroleptic exposure.