THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. DYSKINESIA Dyskinesia is a neurologic disorder caused by medications which damage the basal ganglia of the brain. These include the tranquilizers, such as Thorazine, Stelazine, Mellaril Haldol, Navane and Prolixin. The symptoms of this iatrogenic disorder include muscle rigidity and weakness (akinesia), a coarse tremor characteristic of Parkinsonism, uncontrollable restlessness (akathisia), muscular incoordination (dystonia), tics, grimaces, dysarthrias, opisthotonos and torticollis. Physicians should consider the seriousness and discomfort of these symptoms before prescribing psychotropic drugs supposedly to promote relaxation. Most patients taking standard doses of these drugs for a long period of time develop some symptoms of dyskinesia. Some patients develop severe dyskinesia after the first few doses. Acupuncture is more effective and much safer than these drugs for treating mental illness. In some cases, dyskinesia is relieved simply by discontinuing the drug which caused it. Many cases of dyskinesia, however, persist long after the drug is discontinued. The so-called anti-parkinsonian drugs, such as Artane, may suppress the symptoms of dyskinesia somewhat but do not protect or heal the basal ganglia of the brain. They produce such side effects as blurred vision, confusion and hallucinations. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for dyskinesia. next