May 5-11, 2024 is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week. This annual campaign is meant to raise awareness and understanding of TD, a neurological disorder that can result from long-term use of certain medications for mental health conditions. As an AI technology company committed to improving healthcare, we are excited to announce our latest innovation – TDScreen, an AI video screener for estimating risk of TD.
The Importance of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that causes involuntary and repetitive movements, such as lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and jaw movements. It can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected, causing embarrassment and social isolation. Yet, many people, including healthcare providers, are still unfamiliar with TD. This is why TD Awareness Week is crucial in bringing attention to this condition and promoting early detection and treatment.
The Need for Proactive Tardive Dyskinesia Identification
Traditionally, TD is diagnosed through a lengthy physical examination conducted by a healthcare provider using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) that requires extensive training. However, this can be challenging for patients who are unable to visit a clinic regularly. As a result, TD may go undetected and untreated, leading to irreversible symptoms and further deterioration of overall health. This is where TDScreen comes in – providing a proactive and convenient solution for remotely estimating risk of TD. When TD is identified early there are two FDA approved medications, valbenazine (Ingrezza®) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo®).
Introducing TDScreen: An AI Video Assessment
TDScreen harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video footage of patients for potential signs of TD. Through advanced algorithms, TDScreen is able to detect subtle and early signs of TD, even those that may go unnoticed by the human eye. This means that patients can be screened for TD from the comfort of their own home, without the need for in-person appointments.
How TDScreen Works
TDScreen is easy to use and requires no special equipment. All patients need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a front-facing camera. The screening takes less than 5 minutes to complete and can be done in the comfort of their own home. Patients simply record themselves performing a series of movements and facial expressions while following instructions on the screen. The video is then securely uploaded to our platform for analysis.
The Benefits of TDScreen for Providers and Patients
For providers, TDScreen offers a way to stay ahead of TD, even with patients who are unable to visit the clinic regularly. By being proactive in identifying TD, providers can work towards early intervention and better outcomes for their patients. For patients, TDScreen provides a convenient and non-invasive way to get screened for TD without the need for frequent in-person appointments. It also offers peace of mind, knowing that they are being regularly monitored for potential signs of TD.
How Providers Can Use TDScreen During Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
We encourage all providers, especially neurologists and psychiatrists, to take advantage of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week and introduce TDScreen to their patients as a proactive tool for TD detection. We provide providers with a special identification code to share with their patients, allowing them to easily complete the TDScreen assessment and have their results automatically shared with the requesting provider.
TDScreen: Changing the Game in Remote Tardive Dyskinesia Screening
At our core, we are driven by our mission to improve healthcare outcomes through the use of innovative technologies like TDScreen. This TD Awareness Week, we are proud to offer an efficient and effective solution for remote TD risk detection, making it easier for providers to identify TD early and ultimately improve the lives of their patients. Join us in raising awareness for TD and taking a proactive approach to TD detection with TDScreen.
Recognizing support from iRx Reminder and NIMH funding (Grant No. 2R44MH114763).