Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Kerry and Tardive Dyskinesia?

A reader observes that Kerry's odd darting tongue movements (previous post) might not just be a strange mannerism, but due to an actual physical problem like Tardive Dyskinesia:
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.
This seems rather extreme, but if so, he has my sympathy despite what I think of him generally. However, no one will know about it except Kerry until he releases his medical records, which he still refuses to do. Just like his military records and the family financial records.