[Tardive dystonia. A rare neuroleptic-induced disease picture]

Abstract

This paper reports on a case of spasmodic torticollis after longterm treatment with neuroleptics. This form of dystonia is called tardive dystonia to distinguish it from tardive dyskinesia. Its pathophysiology is unknown. Pathological changes are described in the basal ganglia. Increased signal was found on magnetic resonance imaging on both sides of the basal ganglia reflecting structural lesions. These structural changes, together with neuroleptic medication, represent predisposing factors for the manifestation of tardive dystonia.