Unraveling the Enigma of Belly Dancer's Dyskinesia: A Detailed Case Analysis in the Context of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Belly dancer's dyskinesia (BDD) is an unusual neurological disorder characterized by focal dyskinesia that results in involuntary, rhythmic movements of the anterior abdominal wall. This case report comprehensively examines the presentation, potential medication-induced etiology, and therapeutic response of a 64-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient developed BDD-like symptoms resembling hiccups, experiencing recurrent episodes that endured for hours and occurred nearly daily, significantly affecting wakefulness and sleep. Importantly, the patient's medical history included the utilization of fluphenazine and benztropine for schizophrenia management. Following a thorough multidisciplinary neurology consultation, a tailored treatment regimen involving clonazepam, promethazine, and baclofen was initiated, culminating in a noteworthy reduction in symptom frequency. This report substantially enriches the existing knowledge of BDD, highlighting the critical necessity to elucidate its intricate pathophysiology for the advancement of refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.