Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What characterizes dyskinesia?

1. Excessive fluid retention

2. Abnormal involuntary movements of the body

3. Severe muscle cramps

4. Delayed physical reactions

The correct answer is: Abnormal involuntary movements of the body

Dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal involuntary movements of the body. This condition can manifest in various forms, including jerks, twitches, or more complex movements that may affect one side of the body or both. These involuntary movements can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and may result from a variety of causes, including neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or as a side effect of certain medications. The other choices represent different physiological issues that do not define dyskinesia. For instance, excessive fluid retention relates to issues with fluid balance and is usually not associated with the involuntary movements that define dyskinesia. Severe muscle cramps are more consistent with muscle or nerve problems rather than dyskinesia itself. Delayed physical reactions refer to the timing of motor responses, which does not encompass the involuntary aspect central to dyskinesia. Therefore, the hallmark of dyskinesia lies distinctly in its association with involuntary movements, making it essential for understanding various movement disorders.