Dystonia

"Dystonia | NHS inform | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Brain, nerves and spinal cord Dystonia Dystonia Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder. People with dystonia experience involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. Movements are often repetitive and cause unusual, awkward and sometimes painful postures. Tremor (shaking) is often associated with some types of dystonia. Dystonia can be a condition on its own (primary dystonia). Some people experience dystonia as a symptom of another condition (secondary dystonia). Symptoms of dystonia Symptoms of dystonia can include: uncontrolled muscle spasms parts of your body twisting into unusual positions  like your neck being pulled to the side or your feet turning inwards shaking (tremors) excessive blinking The symptoms may be continuous or come and go. They may be triggered by voluntary movements. Types of dystonia There are different types of dystonia. Generalised dystonia Generalised dystonia affects all parts of the body. Focal dystonia If you have focal dystonia, only one muscle group is affected. The most common type of focal dystonia is neck dystonia, also known as cervical dystonia. This usually causes the head to be pulled in one direction. This can then affect movement and cause pain. Other types of focal dystonia can impact: your voice (laryngeal dystonia) the muscles around your eyes (blepharospasm) limbs (like writers cramp) Causes of dystonia Dystonia is thought to be caused by a problem with the part of the brain that controls movement. Primary and secondary dystonia may have different underlying causes. Causes of primary dystonia Primary dystonia often begins in childhood. This type of dystonia is more likely to have a recognised genetic cause. Causes of secondary dystonia You might experience dystonia as a symptom of another condition. Secondary dystonia might be caused by: Parkinsons disease cerebral palsy certain medications (like some antipsychotics and some anti sickness medications) injury to the brain stroke Diagnosing dystonia If your GP thinks you have dystonia, they may refer you to a specialist neurologist. You may need to have tests to confirm whether you have primary or secondary dystonia. Depending on your symptoms, you might have a blood test or scan. Treating dystonia There are treatments that can control the involuntary movements and spasms of dystonia. You might need to try several treatment options to find out which one works best. Botulinum toxin If you have focal dystonia, you might be offered botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is injected into the affected muscles. It blocks the neurotransmitters within the nerve, reducing muscle spasms. The effects of the injection can last from around 3 months to 6 months. Medication Oral medications, like tablets, can be effective for some people with generalised dystonia. The following are medications which might be used to treat dystonia: anticholinergics baclofen muscle relaxants Physiotherapy Depending on the type of dystonia you have, physiotherapy might help you improve your range of movement. Surgery You might have surgery if your dystonia symptoms dont improve with other treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of brain surgery. Its offered to some people with dystonia where other treatments havent been successful. The surgeon will place a small device, like a pacemaker, under the skin of your chest or tummy. The device sends electrical signals along wires placed in the part of the brain that controls movement. Itll be several weeks or months before you begin to feel the benefit of DBS. Read more about deep brain stimulation Source:\r\n                                        Scottish Government - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 07 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Parkinson's disease Other health sites Dystonia UK NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852"