People with dystonia have involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow and repetitive movements. These movements can:
cause twisting motions in one or more parts of your
body
cause you to adopt abnormal postures
The most commonly affected body parts include your head, neck, trunk, and limbs. While dystonia can be mild, it can also be severe enough to affect your quality of life.
Dystonia can affect you in different ways. Muscle contractions can:
start in one area, such as your arm, leg, or
neck
happen during a specific action, such as
handwriting
get worse when you feel tired, stressed, or
anxious
become more noticeable over time
There are three main categories of dystonia:
Focal: Thisis the most common type
of dystonia. It affects just one part of your body.
Generalized: This type affects the majority of your
body, or your entire body.
Segmental: This type affects two or more nearby
parts of your body.
The exact cause of dystonia is unknown. However, doctors believe that certain medical conditions, genetics, or brain damage may be linked to this condition.
Associated Conditions
Certain medical conditions that affect your brain and nerve function are associated with dystonia. These conditions include:
encephalitis
cerebral palsy
Parkinson’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Wilson’s disease
tuberculosis
brain injury
stroke
brain tumor
brain injury during birth
carbon monoxide poisoning
heavy metal poisoning
Other Causes
Other factors known or believed to cause uncontrolled muscle movement include:
side effects or reactions to certain antipsychotic
medications
lack of oxygen in your tissues and organs
inherited genes or genetic changes
disrupted communication between nerve cells in your
brain
In many cases, dystonia is an ongoing symptom that may remain stable over time. You should see your doctor if:
there’s no clear explanation for your dystonia
your symptoms become worse over time
you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition
to dystonia
Before Your Doctor’s Visit
It may be helpful to take a few notes about your symptoms, including:
when the uncontrolled movements began
if the movements are constant
if the movements get worse at certain times
For example, symptoms may flare up only after strenuous exercise. You should also find out if you have a history of dystonia in your family.
During Your Doctor’s Visit
Your doctor will likely take a thorough health history and perform a detailed physical exam. They will focus on your muscle and nerve function. They’ll note your:
medication history
recent illnesses
past and recent injuries
recent stressful events
Your doctor may ask you to see a neurologist to diagnose the underlying cause of your condition. Your doctor or specialist may perform tests to help make a diagnosis, including:
blood or urine tests
computed tomography (CT) scan
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
electromyogram (EMG)
electro encephalogram (EEG)
spinal tap
genetic studies
There is no cure for dystonia. However, certain medications can help manage your symptoms.
Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) Injections
into targeted muscle groups can help ease your muscle contractions. You must receive the injections every three months. Side effects include fatigue, dry mouth, and changes in your voice.
Oral Medications
Medications that affect the neurotransmitter called dopamine may also improve your symptoms. Dopamine controls your brain’s pleasure centers and regulates movement.
Physical Therapy
Massage, heat treatment, and low-impact exercises may help manage your symptoms.
Alternative Treatments
Research on alternative treatments for dystonia is limited. Some people have found relief by practicing certain alternative therapies, such as:
acupuncture: an ancient practice that inserts
small, thin needles into various points on your body for pain relief.
yoga: exercise that combines gentle stretching
movements with deep breathing and meditation.
biofeedback: electrical sensors that monitor
your body functions and identify ways to control your muscle tension and blood
pressure.
Severe dystonia can cause a number of complications, such as:
physical deformities, which may become permanent
varying levels of physical disability
abnormal positioning of your head
problems swallowing
difficulty with speech
issues with jaw movement
pain
fatigue
Even though there’s no cure for dystonia, there are treatment options to help you manage your symptoms. Speak with your doctor about your risk of developing complications. You may have to try a few treatments, but there are steps you can take to start managing your dystonia.