Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. It can develop in people of all ages and manifest throughout the body. These factors add complexity to the process of diagnosing this disorder.
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that develops when the basal ganglia, the part of your brain responsible for coordinated movement, fails to work properly, resulting in involuntary muscle spasms or contractions.
There are several types of dystonia. Important factors for classifying dystonia include the age of symptom onset, affected areas of the body and underlying conditions.
Focal dystonia impacts muscles in an isolated area of the body. The most common types are cervical dystonia, which affects the muscles in your neck, and blepharospasm, which targets the muscles responsible for blinking.
Dystonia symptoms vary depending on the affected body parts. In addition to cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, dystonia can also manifest as a cramping or dragging foot or unwanted muscle contractions while writing.
Muscle contractions usually worsen with stress, anxiety, fatigue or prolonged exertion. While symptoms may become more noticeable over time, this isn’t a progressive disorder.
Treatment for dystonia is targeted at controlling your symptoms. Your treatment plan may involve Botox® injections to block unwanted muscle contractions and medications that target neurotransmitters responsible for muscle movement. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to better target the nerves responsible for your dystonia.
Before scheduling an appointment to receive Botox® injections, please verify that your insurance is accepted by our specialty pharmacy. After authorization is granted, the pharmacy can ship the medication to our Brain and Spine office where it is stored until your appointment.
Dystonia is a chronic condition, meaning it typically does not go away entirely. However, with appropriate dystonia therapies and treatments, symptoms can often be managed to improve quality of life.
Dystonia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions, brain injuries, or neurological diseases. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
The seriousness of dystonia depends on its type and severity. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms, others with conditions like cervical dystonia (affecting the neck) or foot dystonia may face significant challenges in daily life. Seeking early dystonia treatment is crucial for symptom management.
Dystonia affects the body by causing involuntary muscle contractions, leading to repetitive movements, twisting, or abnormal postures. Areas commonly affected include the neck, face, hands, and feet, with specific symptoms varying by individual.
Dystonia can start at any age, though some forms are more common in childhood, while others, like neck dystonia, typically appear in adults.
Dystonia is a lifelong condition. While it doesn’t go away, symptoms can often be controlled through medicines for dystonia, physical therapy, or other targeted treatments.
Dystonia is relatively rare, affecting about 1% of the population. Local dystonia, such as dystonia of the neck or feet, may occur more frequently in specific groups.
Dystonia symptoms may worsen due to stress, fatigue, or certain movements. Identifying and managing these triggers with the help of a specialist, like Brain & Spine, can be an important part of treatment.
Dystonia itself does not typically affect life expectancy. However, the impact on quality of life can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
Dystonia is considered a rare neurological condition, but its prevalence varies depending on the specific type. Cervical dystonia and other focal dystonias are among the more commonly diagnosed forms.