Tardive dyskinesia is an uncommon movement disorder caused due to the side effects of treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It is marked by a series of involuntary body and facial movements. While not everyone who takes this sort of treatment will suffer from tardive dyskinesia, the symptoms can be permanent. It can prevent people from performing simple tasks and can interfere with their quality of life. The most common signs of tardive dyskinesia are: Orofacial dyskinesia Also called oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia, this can cause: Uncontrolled movements of the lips, jaw, or tongue Sticking out the tongue involuntarily Rapid blinking Smacking of lips Puckering of lips Puffing of cheeks Grimacing Making fish-like mouth movements Dyskinesia of the limbs This affects the arms, legs, fingers, and toes and can cause: Wiggling of fingers Tapping of feet Flapping of arms Thrusting out of pelvis Full body swaying Fast, jerking motions of arms or legs Slow, twisting motions of arms or legs Those who suffer from tardive dyskinesia (TD) can also develop muscle spasms sometimes, where their muscles tighten and do not release. These spasms could vary in duration. One may also make involuntary grunting noises when their muscles spasm.

Huntington’s disease, also known as Huntington’s chorea, belongs to the group of neurodegenerative disorders that cause the progressive degeneration of the brain’s nerve cells. It is an inherited disease that can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical movements, cognitive abilities, and emotions. There are two types of Huntington’s disease – Adult onset and Early onset – and there are many early warning signs that manifest differently for different people. Adult onset Early symptoms of Adult Onset Huntington’s include: Irritability Anxiety Difficulty in making decisions Mood swings Uncharacteristic clumsiness Unable to balance Restlessness Forgetfulness Memory issues Difficulty comprehending new information As time passes, symptoms may include: Muscle rigidity Mobility issues Cognitive decline Paranoia Breathing issues Involuntary twitching Trouble swallowing Early onset While Huntington’s itself is a rare condition, early onset of the disease is even less common, with symptoms usually starting to appear in childhood or adolescence. Also called Juvenile Onset Huntington’s Disease (JHD), it affects children and teenagers. Symptoms include: Drooling Clumsiness Changes in personality Slurred speech Rigid muscles Poor school performance that happens suddenly The progression rate of JHD is faster than adult onset HD. Huntington’s disease is caused by a defect in a single gene, marking it as an autosomal dominant disorder.

Prurigo nodularis is a severe skin condition that causes multiple itchy and firm bumps on the skin. This skin disorder leads to excessive and intense scratching that, in turn, can further exacerbate the symptoms. Although the condition can affect a person of any age, it is most commonly seen in adults. Early detection of the symptoms can help diagnose the condition better. Below mentioned are some of the signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis. Where does prurigo nodularis develop on the body? Prurigo nodularis causes itchy bumps on the skin and can develop in areas wherever the person scratches, rubs, or picks their skin. While skin tags can occur anywhere on the body, they tend to appear most frequently in certain areas like: Legs Arms Upper back Lower back Abdomen Buttocks The itchy bump nodules may be: Scaly and crusty Scabby Hard Warty looking Common signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis Itchy skin The most common symptom of prurigo nodularis is the appearance of small, raised bumps on the skin. These are also known as nodules, which can appear flesh-colored, reddish, or dark brown. The itching can vary from person to person and range from moderate to severe. Before the bumps appear on the skin, the skin starts to itch, and these itches can come in short bursts or be long-lasting.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary repetitive movements of specific body parts, most commonly the face. It is usually a side effect of specific treatments that trigger chemical changes in the brain, increasing dopamine sensitivity. Underlying diseases like diabetes and HIV may aggravate the symptoms. Besides seeking timely treatment, here are a few valuable ways to help manage tardive dyskinesia symptoms better in the long run. Manage comorbid conditions As mentioned, comorbid conditions like diabetes, HIV, and brain injury can aggravate the symptoms. Hence, patients should get tested for these diseases and manage them well. For example, those with tardive dyskinesia who are diagnosed with diabetes should control their sugar intake and check their blood glucose levels regularly. Determine the underlying cause Tardive dyskinesia is typically caused by a treatment course that blocks the brain’s dopamine receptors. One should consult a doctor to identify what treatment is causing the condition. Timely detection of the root cause can help one better manage the symptoms and heal from the condition. Avoid stress Many patients with tardive dyskinesia agree that controlling the symptoms is difficult under stressful conditions. Hence, one should identify and eliminate their stressors. For example, individuals in high-pressure jobs should switch to a less stressful or part-time job to reduce workload.

Mycobacterium avium complex, also known as MAC, can cause MAC lung disease. It can enter the body through the nose or mouth by swallowing or breathing. While most people infected by the group of bacteria may not fall sick, some with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to the condition. Further, delay in detecting the disease can make treatment difficult. Therefore, here are some common early signs of MAC lung disease to look out for. Early signs of MAC lung disease Typically, MAC lung disease isn’t contagious. However, when an individual contracts the infection, it can affect their breathing. Moreover, most symptoms of MAC lung disease can vary depending greatly on the type of infection contracted by the patient. Hence, here are some of the common early signs of MAC disease. Cough MAC lung disease is usually brought on by a group of bacteria or germs found in water, soil, and dust. When these bacteria enter the lungs, they can settle in air sacs or even create a hole in healthy lung tissue. This can lead to prolonged cough and wheezing. Further, the cough can be accompanied by shortness of breath and blood-stained mucus. But most of the time, the sputum can be clear or whitish.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic esophagus disease, and its impact on daily life is significant. Characterized by the inflammation of the esophagus, EoE can manifest through various symptoms. This article delves into the often-overlooked signs and symptoms of EoE, shedding light on this condition that affects the esophagus and exploring how it manifests in those who experience it. Understanding these telltale signs is essential for early recognition and appropriate medical attention. Difficulty swallowing One of the most common signs of EoE is dysphagia which refers to a medical term for difficulty swallowing. Individuals with EoE may experience a sensation of food becoming stuck in their throat or chest, making eating a challenging and sometimes painful process. Food impactions EoE can lead to food impactions, where solid food pieces remain lodged in the esophagus. This can be a frightening experience and often requires medical intervention to remove the obstructing food. Persistent heartburn Individuals with EoE often experience chronic heartburn that does not respond well to over-the-counter antacids or lifestyle changes. This persistent heartburn can significantly impact their quality of life. Regurgitation EoE can cause regurgitation, where undigested food and stomach acid flow back into the mouth. This can be not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing for those affected.

The condition of one’s teeth can significantly impact one’s overall health since food is a major source of nutrients for one’s body. Dental problems can emerge despite regular care for various reasons, from age to injury, potentially leading to tooth loss. In such cases, dental implants offer a safe and effective solution for restoring lost teeth. Here are some telltale warning signs that indicate one may require dental implants: Loose or wobbly teeth If one notices that the teeth have become loose or wobbly, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease can cause the supporting bone structure to deteriorate, leading to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. In such cases, dental implants may be necessary to replace the affected teeth and restore stability to one’s bite. Difficulty eating Problems with chewing food or discomfort while eating can clearly indicate dental issues. Missing teeth or those with severe damage can make it challenging to chew properly, leading to digestive problems and poor nutrition. In this case, dental implants provide a stable and functional chewing surface. Missing teeth Whether due to decay, injury, or a chronic dental condition, missing teeth can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

Migraines are debilitating headaches that affect thousands of people worldwide. Studies show that about 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men reported having migraine symptoms. While many individuals associate migraines with severe head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light, some lesser-known signs and symptoms often go unnoticed. This article delves into these lesser-known signs of migraine symptoms to help individuals recognize and manage this complex neurological condition more effectively. Visual disturbances One less recognized sign of an impending migraine is visual disturbances, referred to as an “aura.” These disturbances can include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots in the field of vision. Auras typically last about 20 minutes to an hour and may be a warning sign that a migraine attack is imminent. While not everyone with migraines experiences auras, recognizing them can be valuable for timely intervention. Neck pain Neck pain is a frequently overlooked symptom of migraines. The tension in the neck muscles can often precede or accompany the headache phase of a migraine. Individuals experiencing neck pain and other symptoms should consider it a potential migraine indicator and take appropriate steps to manage the impending attack. Cognitive impairment Cognitive impairment is a lesser-known but significant aspect of migraines.

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory condition that affects the lungs, causing inflammation. Several pathogens can trigger it, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. The condition’s symptoms can range from mild to severe. While it can impact individuals of all ages, it poses a higher risk to the younger population, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Here are ten signs and symptoms of pneumonia to watch out for. Persistent cough A persistent cough is often the first sign. Initially, it may manifest as a dry cough but progress to produce phlegm or mucus. This cough is not just an annoyance; it’s the body’s way of attempting to clear the infection. The mucus might be discolored, ranging from white or yellow to greenish, or even tinged with blood. Fever When pneumonia invades the lungs, it triggers a robust immune response. One of the most common responses is the elevation of body temperature, resulting in a fever. A fever is the body’s way of creating an environment less hospitable to the invading microorganisms. A fever exceeding 100.4°F (38°C) is a significant indicator. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a hallmark symptom. Ranging from mild to severe, it can often make drawing a full breath challenging.

Narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder, can significantly impact one’s daily life. The condition is characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness, hallucinations, and rapid eye movements. While it’s often a lifelong condition, some individuals experience a sudden onset of narcolepsy, which can be perplexing and disruptive. Understanding the potential causes and triggers for the sudden onset of narcolepsy is essential for effective diagnosis and management. Read on to learn more about the contributing factors of this condition. Genetic predisposition One of the primary factors contributing to the sudden development of narcolepsy is genetic predisposition. Narcolepsy has a hereditary component, meaning it can run in families. If someone has a family history of narcolepsy, they may be at a higher risk of developing the condition, and its symptoms may appear sudden. Autoimmune response Another leading cause of the sudden onset of narcolepsy is an autoimmune response. Research suggests that an autoimmune reaction, often triggered by a viral infection such as the H1N1 influenza virus, can lead to the destruction of the hypocretin-producing cells in the brain. Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating wakefulness and sleep patterns . When these cells are damaged or destroyed, it can result in the sudden development of narcolepsy symptoms.

Heartburn is a common discomfort that many people experience at some point. It occurs when the acid in the stomach flows into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the upper body or chest. This may worsen after eating and while lying down or bending over. Heartburn can mostly be managed by making certain lifestyle changes, including avoiding triggering foods. Keep reading to know about which foods to avoid that can trigger heartburn. Chilli Peppers Chilli peppers, known for their spicy kick and vibrant flavor, are a problem when it comes to heartburn. They contain capsaicin, a compound responsible for the fiery sensation in the mouth. Capsaicin also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When the LES is relaxed, it allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. To minimize the risk of heartburn, individuals prone to this condition must consider milder alternatives. Sausages Sausages can trigger heartburn due to their fatty content. These foods slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to increased pressure on the LES. This pressure can force stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Pizza Pizza, a beloved comfort food, can be a heartburn culprit due to its potential triggers: