Lifestyle Tips To Manage Dyskinesia

September 28, 2023

Dyskinesia is an uncontrollable and abnormal movement that is often associated with Parkinson's disease. It is caused by the long-term use of levodopa, which is a significant prescription medication that Parkinson's disease patients take. However, not everyone who uses levodopa experiences this condition. The movements in this condition can appear like a fluid dance, though they can also be rapid and jerking. Some individuals claim that these movements resemble tics and chorea. They are very distressing when experienced. However, its severity varies with the patient. Extreme cases can result in exhaustion and fatigue, while mild ones can be challenging to notice.

Many patients will have their dose of levodopa for Parkinson's disease adjusted as a dyskinesia treatment. Another option is to take medication for dyskinesia. Patients with severe symptoms may need to have deep brain stimulation for dyskinesia. However, every patient will likely need to employ natural remedies for dyskinesia as well.

Practice Stress Management

Since stress worsens dyskinesia, patients are typically advised to practice stress management. Patients need to equip themselves with strategies to control their reactions to stress, including anger and frustration. These strategies can include deep breathing techniques and spending time with friends and family. Individuals should also try to maintain a healthy diet and stay surrounded by optimistic individuals.

Staying calm should be part of their day-to-day activity since it will significantly enhance their flexibility and stability. Individuals may also want to listen to music, get sufficient rest, read a book, or implement other techniques that calm them down. Patients who are in doubt can consult their doctor for advice.

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Exercise Frequently

Individuals with dyskinesia may be able to improve their symptoms dramatically through exercise. In fact, doing anything that increases their heart rate or makes them sweat helps slow their illness down. Patients have a vast range of physical activities as options. They can take a walk, go to an acrobatic class, jog, swim, or ride a bicycle. Other options for exercise include attending a yoga class, dancing, and even vigorously stretching.

Regardless of the exercise they choose, individuals should have a schedule for how often and when they will exercise. They should also make sure that they stay hydrated during and after their exercise session. Additionally, when patients exercise frequently, they will manage any other abnormal movement that they may experience, stay fit, and improve their circulatory system.

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Make Dietary Adjustments

An individual's diet plays a significant role when managing dyskinesia. Thus, they should always be mindful of what they eat. For instance, specific proteins such as beans, meat, and dairy products decrease how much medication the body will absorb. Since these are essential parts of an individual's diet, they should take their medication at least thirty minutes before they eat instead of excluding these foods from their diet.

However, individuals may want to consider making other dietary adjustments. They should try to consume as much fiber and fruit as possible. Patients dealing with dyskinesia should also avoid greasy dishes, smoked foods, bacon, and spicy food. Avoiding vegetables that cause stomach irritation, such as garlic and onions, is also advised. Meals with a significant amount of cholesterol are also not helpful for dyskinesia and should be avoided when possible.

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Go To Physical Therapy

One of the most effective ways of managing dyskinesia is to go to physical therapy. Physical therapy helps individuals with this condition manage their symptoms, improve their balance, enhance their mobility, minimize the need for opioids, and boost their coordination. Many patients who have this condition are able to avoid surgery by going to physical therapy.

Physical therapy consists of low impact acrobatics and specific strengthening exercises. A physical therapist will design a good program for each patient. Patients need to abide by their program without fail. This is so that their health can improve as should. Individuals should look for a physical therapist who has had experience treating other patients with this condition for the best results.

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Take Time To Rest

Inadequate rest promotes dyskinesia, especially for a patient with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, patients need to ensure that they get quality sleep and take time to rest when exhausted. This is beneficial to both manage current symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Of course, this means that patients need to get sufficient sleep every night. They should try to get at least seven to eight hours.

It is also better if they avoid overworking themselves and performing heavy or difficult activities. They should only take on the amount of work that they can handle without straining themselves. This prevents injuries, but also stops them from oversleeping or becoming stressed and dealing with insomnia. In addition, avoiding these activities and getting sufficient rests allows patients to save their energy for other activities that require both physical and mental exertion. By resting, they will be able to reduce stress and have time to regenerate. As mentioned, stress is a significant trigger for worsening dyskinesia.

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