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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do you fight dyskinesia?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Gloucester Point, VA

My legs are cramping day and night and when I mentioned it to my neurologist he just shook his head and said I don't have dyskinesia! And that was that

June 15
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Answer Summary

Members responded with strong support to someone whose neurologist dismissed their leg cramping concerns, with many encouraging them to seek a... Read more

Members responded with strong support to someone whose neurologist dismissed their leg cramping concerns, with many encouraging them to seek a movement disorder specialist for a more thorough evaluation. Several members shared helpful remedies that worked for them, including magnesium supplements (powder or glycinate), vinegar applied to the skin, Botox injections for dystonia, and cycling or ZMA Tech supplements to prevent cramping. A recurring theme was the important distinction between dyskinesia (involuntary movement) and dystonia (cramping/tightening), along with the reminder that patients deserve real answers from their doctors.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Get a better neurologist

June 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Your nuerologist owes you an answer and discussion. You are his patient and he took an oath, to do no harm.
His response is harmful by its dissmissivnesd.

June 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Dyskinesia is usually caused by an medication you take you could have dystonia have dystonia and had Dyskinesia which was caused by a new prescription the dystonia is controlled by carbidopa levedopa but it sounds like you need a new dr try to find a movement specialist if possible

June 15
MyParkinsonsTeam

That sounds really frustrating — being dismissed without a clear explanation is tough. It's worth knowing that leg cramping that feels more like a tight pull, twist, or freeze could actually be dystonia, which is different from dyskinesia but also related to Parkinson's and dopamine levels.

Here's how to tell the Show Full Answer

That sounds really frustrating — being dismissed without a clear explanation is tough. It's worth knowing that leg cramping that feels more like a tight pull, twist, or freeze could actually be dystonia, which is different from dyskinesia but also related to Parkinson's and dopamine levels.

Here's how to tell the difference:

- Dyskinesia — fluid, writhing, involuntary movements, often when medication is working well
- Dystonia — painful cramping or twisting, often when dopamine levels are *low*, like early morning or when a dose wears off Since your neurologist dismissed the concern quickly, it may help to go back armed with more detail. Try tracking your symptoms and noting:

- What time the cramping starts
- How it relates to when you take your medication
- Which body parts are affected
- Whether it feels "tight and cramping" or more "loose and writhing"

Bringing this log to your next appointment gives your care team something concrete to work with, and makes it harder to brush off! If you feel your concerns still aren't being heard, it's completely reasonable to seek a second opinion from another neurologist. You deserve answers, not just a head shake.

June 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Try Black Castrol. Buy it over the counter. After a few times using it, my cramping was gone. I just rubbed it on. I got this recommendation from my heart doctor.

June 15

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