Marijuana and Tardive Dyskinesia

How MMJ Health can help Patients with Tardive Dyskinesia

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that can be caused by taking certain medications for an extended period, especially those used for mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It’s a condition where a person experiences involuntary and repetitive movements of their face and other parts of their body. These movements can be mild or severe and can seriously affect a person’s overall well-being.

Fortunately, medical marijuana has shown promise in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with TD. In this article, we’ll take a look at symptoms, types, and diagnosing TD, along with some cannabis terpene and strain recommendations.

Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia can include:

Involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, or jaw
Grimacing or facial contortions
Rapid blinking or eye movements
Rapid or jerky movements of the arms, legs, or torso
Restlessness or fidgeting
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Problems with balance or coordination

Types of Tardive Dyskinesia

There are many different types of TD, each with distinct symptoms and characteristics.

The types of Tardive Dyskinesia include:

Orofacial Tardive Dyskinesia: This type affects the muscles in the mouth, face, and tongue, causing repetitive and uncontrollable movements like grimacing, lip-smacking, and tongue protrusion.
Limb Tardive Dyskinesia: This type affects the arms and legs, causing repetitive and involuntary movements like tapping or jerking.
Truncal Tardive Dyskinesia: This type affects the trunk of the body, causing twisting and writhing movements.
Respiratory Tardive Dyskinesia: This type affects the muscles involved in breathing, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, sighing, and gasping.
Generalized Tardive Dyskinesia: This type affects the entire body, causing a combination of symptoms from the different types of TD.

It’s important to note that TD can present in different ways for different individuals, and some people may experience a combination of symptoms from different types. A doctor or healthcare provider can help diagnose and differentiate the type of TD a person is experiencing.

Diagnosing Tardive Dyskinesia

To diagnose Tardive Dyskinesia, it is important to seek the guidance of a medical professional. The following are steps that a doctor may take to diagnose Tardive Dyskinesia:

Physical Examination: A doctor may examine the patient's physical movements and look for any abnormal movements.
Review of Medication History: Tardive Dyskinesia can be caused by certain medications, so a doctor may review the patient's medication history to determine if the condition is medication-induced.
Neurological Exam: A doctor may perform a neurological exam to assess the patient's reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensory functions.
Blood Tests: A doctor may order blood tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Imaging Tests: A doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out other neurological conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Best Terpenes for Tardive Dyskinesia

Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and provide various health benefits. When it comes to Tardive Dyskinesia, certain terpenes may be more beneficial than others. Here are some of the best terpenes for Tardive Dyskinesia:

Limonene

Limonene has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which may help to slow the progression of Tardive Dyskinesia. It also has a mood-enhancing effect, which can be beneficial for those dealing with the emotional effects of this condition.

Beta-Caryophyllene

This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and potentially lessen the severity of Tardive Dyskinesia symptoms. It may also help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common co-occurring conditions in people with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Pinene

Pinene is another anti-inflammatory terpene that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the brain from damage. It may also have a calming effect on the body and mind, which can be helpful for those experiencing anxiety or other emotional symptoms related to Tardive Dyskinesia.

Myrcene

This terpene is known for its sedative and relaxing effects, making it useful for reducing muscle spasms and tremors in Tardive Dyskinesia.

Best Strains for Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition that can be challenging to treat. However, some cannabis strains have shown promise in providing relief for those who suffer from this condition. Here are some of the best cannabis strains for Tardive Dyskinesia and how they may help:

ACDC

Known for its high CBD content, ACDC may help reduce the severity of TD symptoms by providing anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Harlequin

Another high-CBD strain, Harlequin, may help ease involuntary muscle movements and tremors associated with TD, while also providing a sense of calm and relaxation.

Blackberry Kush

This strain is high in myrcene, a terpene that has been shown to have sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. It may help reduce the severity of TD symptoms, including involuntary movements.

Purple Kush

A popular indica strain, Purple Kush, is known for its relaxing effects and may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate TD symptoms. Its high levels of myrcene and caryophyllene may also help ease involuntary movements.

Granddaddy Purple

With its high levels of myrcene and THC, Granddaddy Purple is another strain that may help reduce TD symptoms, including involuntary muscle movements and tremors. Its calming effects may also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate TD symptoms.

Best Online Tools for Tardive Dyskinesia

Here are some websites with in-depth information about Tardive Dyskinesia.

What can a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor do for People with Tardive Dyskinesia?

The biggest struggle for people with TD is that daily activities like talking, eating, and walking is incredibly difficult. Experiencing difficulty in doing everyday activities greatly impacts their quality of life but there is hope for patients looking for alternative treatment options.

Medical marijuana can provide relief from symptoms, and many patients have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life. With the right terpenes and strains, medical marijuana can help manage the symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia.

At MMJ Health, our team of licensed doctors can help you determine if medical marijuana is right for you. We have nine locations throughout Florida, and our compassionate and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in your journey to better health. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards living a happier and healthier life.