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Dystonia

Overview

Dystonia is a neuromuscular condition characterized by abnormal abnormal posturing, turning or twisting movements of head, trunk, or limbs.

  • Exact cause is unknown
  • Dysfunction of basal ganglia
  • Genetic factors
  • Brain injuries

  • Family history
  • Stroke
  • Brain or nervous system injury
  • Infections
  • Certain medications such as neuroleptics
  • Poisoning (for e.g., lead)
  • Involvement of precise hand movements, such as for musicians, artists, or engineers

  • Muscle spasms or cramps
  • Postural deformities
  • Difficulty in speaking, chewing, swallowing, walking, and writing
  • Abnormal eye blinking/ contraction of face
  • Bending of body

Neurologist

  • Clinical
  • Genetic testing
  • MRI Brain and PET scan for acquired and degenerative causes

  • Based on the affected body part
    • Generalized dystonia (affects all or most body parts)
    • Focal dystonia (affects one body part)- blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, oromandibular dystonia, truncal dystonia, and writer’s cramp
    • Multifocal dystonia (affects ≥2 unrelated body parts)
    • Segmental dystonia (affects ≥2 adjacent body parts)
    • Adult-onset dystonia is generally focal, whereas those beginning in childhood may become generalized.
  • Based on the cause
    • Inherited- caused due to gene mutation
    • Acquired- secondary to drug, brain injury, stroke, infection, metabolic
    • Idiopathic- no clear cause
  • Based on the symptoms
    • Dopa- responsive dystonia improves dramatically with dopamine supplementation
    • Myoclonus dystonia
    • Paroxysmal dystonia
    • Tardive dystonia
    • Functional dystonia

  • Medications (anticholinergics, dopamine blockers)
  • Botulinum toxin injections for focal dystonia
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Surgery (deep brain stimulation)
  • Lifestyle modification (stress management, regular exercises)

Disclaimer:

The information in this Health Library is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any treatment. Use of this site and its content does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency facility immediately.