dystonia

A movement disorder in which muscles tighten for a long time on their own, causing twisting, repeated movements or a fixed, abnormal posture. It can be a long-term neurological condition, or a sudden drug reaction (acute dystonia), most often from antipsychotics such as haloperidolhaloperidolhal-oh-PAIR-ih-dolA first-generation antipsychotic drug, given by mouth or injection, used for psychosis and severe agitation.Full entry Close or from metoclopramide. An acute reaction may twist the neck, roll the eyes upward or tighten the jaw or tongue.

An acute dystonic reaction is frightening and can threaten the airway if it affects the throat. Report it at once; diphenhydraminediphenhydraminedy-fen-HY-druh-meenA first-generation antihistamine used for allergies, itching, motion sickness, sleep and some drug reactions.Full entry Close or benztropine is often ordered and works quickly.