The Role of Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Tardive Dyskinesia: A Case Series

Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2025 Jan 17:15:3. doi: 10.5334/tohm.966. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

Background: Despite efforts to visualize all the movements of tongue and oropharynx in individuals with focal movement disorders (specifically tardive dyskinesia (TD)), clinicians can miss the complete picture and additional tools may be required to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Cases: We present three cases with TD where ultrasound assisted in diagnoses. These individuals had difficulty swallowing and abnormal sensations in the tongue, which remained undiagnosed until we performed ultrasound of oropharynx which allowed for characterization of these movements.

Discussion: Ultrasound is an ideal modality for imaging the tongue and oropharynx in TD. Further research should include large case series and standardized protocols for evaluation of these disorders.

Keywords: Tardive Dyskinesia; Tardive syndrome; Ultrasonography; tardive dystonia; ultrasound guidance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Tardive Dyskinesia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tongue / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography*