Which movement disorder is characterized by lip smacking and tongue protrusion?

• A. Tardive Dyskinesia
• B. Akathisia
• C. Parkinsonism
• D. Huntington Disease

Answer: (A)

Lip smacking and tongue protrusion are classic orofacial movements seen in tardive dyskinesia. This late-onset, involuntary movement disorder arises after long-term dopamine receptor blockade from antipsychotics and reflects neuroadaptive changes in the nigrostriatal pathway. The movements are typically repetitive, irregular, and involve the mouth, lips, and tongue, though they can spread to other body parts. This pattern helps distinguish it from akathisia (inner restlessness and fidgeting), Parkinsonism (resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia), and Huntington disease (chorea with cognitive and behavioral changes). Early identification is important because management may involve adjusting the offending medication and, in some cases, using treatments like VMAT2 inhibitors.