Dystonia
Dystonia is the term used to describe a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms. These spasms can affect different areas of the body and often force certain parts of the body into abnormal movements and postures, some of which are painful.
What Does Dystonia Affect?
Dystonia can affect the neck (cervical dystonia), the eye muscles (blepharospasm), the hand (writer's cramp), the trunk, arms and legs as well as other areas. Dystonia is classified by age of onset, by the parts of the body affected and by cause. Generalized dystonia affects several areas of the body whereas focal dystonia is limited to one area.Cause for Dystonia
Primary dystonia is thought to be caused by malfunctioning in the basal ganglia - a deep area of the brain that regulates movement. Secondary dystonia can be attributed to other causes " such as toxins, stroke, birth injury, trauma or medications. Some defective genes have been identified that cause a type of inheritable dystonia. Examples of this are Early-Onset Generalized Dystonia and Rapid-Onset Dystonia-Parkinsonism.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a careful history and physical examination. In some cases, other tests " such as bloodwork " may be ordered. Patients are evaluated using standard dystonia rating scales.Treatments
Treatment approaches include medication, botulinum toxin and surgery.- Medications may be used to treat the pain and muscle spasms caused by dystonia. These include anticholinergics - such as Artane or Cogentin, benzodiazepines- such as Klonopin and Ativan and antispasmodics " such as Baclofen
- Botulinum Toxin offers symptom relief to many people. The botulinum toxin is injected directly into involved muscles with the goal of weakening the muscle spasm. We perform Botulinum toxin injections with the assistance of EMG (an electromyograph) to improve precision of injection into muscles that are not easily palpated. EMG measures and records muscle activity.
- Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical approach for some types of dystonia.