Involuntary movements in the elderly

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Involuntary movements or muscle contractions are most commonly caused by Parkinson's disease, which affects about 1% of Americans over age 50. Other causes include cerebellar, senile, essential, and familial tremors; blepharospasm and spastic dysphonia; and tardive dyskinesia resulting from neuroleptic drug therapy. Dr Miller describes the types of dyskinesia and the best methods of treatment. He also explains how specific drugs work to relieve parkinsonian symptoms and suggests a prescription sequence and dosage schedule most likely to achieve good results over a long period.