These are involuntary movements, also known as dyskinesias.
They vary greatly in their severity but are quite common, particularly in
people who have had Parkinson’s and been treated for it over a number of years.
They are not well understood but seem to be part and parcel of an artificial
increase in the dopamine in the brain. We know that they are not just a side
effect of the drugs because when people who do not have Parkinson’s take these
same drugs, they do not get these movements. The movements are caused partly by
the Parkinson’s and partly by the fluctuating levels of Madopar or Sinemet. When involuntary movements appear, they are usually a sign
that the dose of Madopar or Sinemet is on the high side, so a reduction in the
dose is usually tried. However, this sometimes leads to a return of the
Parkinson’s symptoms of slowness and stiffness, and a new compromise between
mobility and involuntary movements has to be sought.
The frequency and timing of the involuntary movements differs
between individuals. In some, the movements are there most of the time, while
in others they tend to appear just after taking a tablet or shortly before the
next one is due. Some people find them very troublesome but, when fairly mild,
they are often more upsetting to an observer than to the person with
Parkinson’s.
