Tardive dystonia: the significance of early recognition and management

Tardive dystonia is a recently well described complication of antipsychotic medications. Compared with the long and better known tardive dyskinesia, it is more disabling and difficult to manage. We report the development of tardive dystonia in a young Saudi male with schizophrenic disorder. The favourable outcome after abrupt discontinuation of antipsychotic medication is documented. An early sign of repetitive forced jaw opening is reported. Literature on tardive dystonia is reviewed with special emphasis on the significance of early recognition and management in improving the prognosis