Dyskinesia and tremors are both symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. People often consider them the same but understanding the difference between the two is critical for managing Parkinson’s disease. Although two types of involuntary movements may sometimes appear similar, the treatment options for dyskinesia and tremors are different. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 70% of people with Parkinson’s disease must have experienced tremors at some time during the course of the disease. Todd Herrington, MD, Ph.D., a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, says that Dystonia (a condition related to Dyskinesia) usually occurs once the Parkinson patient’s medication starts to wear off.

Tremors are one of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s associated with the disease. It shows significant improvement with medication. Dyskinesia, on the other hand, tends to show up as a long-term side effect from Parkinson’s medication rather than a symptom. Similar as they look on the surface, tremors are more rhythmic in their movement, particularly around a joint. Dyskinesia is an involuntary movement that is usually disordered. Tremors are usually suppressible with activity and movement but Dyskinesia is not. The treatment options for Dyskinesia and tremors are many, the common one is medication and undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery.

There are several treatment options for Dyskinesia and Tremors and they are treated separately:

Dyskinesia

Change your dopamine dosage
These motor symptoms are activated if the body doesn’t receive enough dopamine, a brain chemical to help smoothen limb movement. It also addresses stiffness and other joint issues. When these drugs are taken, the brain is on a high but the effect slowly wears off as the drug levels drop.

Change the medication
If the first-line medication is not very effective in controlling tremors, patients should consider the second line of medication. In case they are resistant to all medications, neurological interventions are attempted.

Other options
Deep Brain Speculation (DBS) is a procedure that can treat the symptoms of Parkinson. It can reduce stiffness in joints, help with walking issues and tremors.

Tremors

• Changing sleep patterns
  An appropriate sleep schedule can take care of mild tremors. Since some people are faced with the challenge of exhaustion that leads to tremors, moderating sleep patterns is a small lifestyle change that will bring relief.
• Relaxation techniques
  Since tremors are believed to get heightened through stress, learning small techniques to relax works well for tremors.
• Occupational therapy
  Occupational therapists help in making simple lifestyle changes to control and adjust living with tremors.
• Avoid aggravating substances
  Medications such as antidepressants, anti-epileptics or high caffeine food and drinks are believed to aggravate the condition. Hence, they should be avoided.
• Follow prescribed medication religiously
  Based on the diagnosis, doctors prescribe a medication course. In many cases, incidences of tremors are reduced with proper medication treatment.

Managing Dyskinesia and tremors requires striking the right balance between too many medications and too little of it. The more people know about treatment options, the better they feel about dealing with them confidently. Hence, as caregivers and loved ones, you should help Parkinson patients to help them manage the condition’s effects.