Hyperkinetic dysarthria as an early indicator of impending tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible disturbance of the central nervous system that is associated with the chronic ingestion of neuroleptic medications. Abnormal movements within the oral musculature are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia and are manifested in motor speech production as hyperkinetic dysarthria. Early detection of hyperkinetic dysarthria in patients who have chronically ingested neuroleptic agents may play a critical role in preventing an irreversible condition of tardive dyskinesia.