Dystonia is a movement disorder involving uncontrollable, involuntary muscle contractions resulting in abnormal movements of one or more parts of the body.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions in part of a person’s body. These can be uncomfortable or even painful, but sometimes simply result in “abnormal” positions. The contractions cause the affected area to twist or stretch abnormally, resulting in repetitive, uncomfortable movements or “stuck” postures. Depending on its severity, dystonia can significantly impact a person’s daily life. It is estimated that about 300,000 people in the U.S. are affected by dystonia.
Causes
The exact cause of dystonia is not known, though it is suspected that it develops due to nerve issues in the area of the brain that is responsible for coordination. Most dystonia has no known cause, but other types of dystonias can be caused by certain medications, are genetic, or are related to another neurologic disease such as Parkinson’s disease. Dystonia is rarely the result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke or tumor.
Symptoms
Symptoms can differ depending on where dystonia occurs in the body, but they can include:
- Involuntary blinking
- Twisting or shaking of the head
- Twisting of shaking of a limb, particularly when doing a task such as writing or running
- Voice tremors and difficulty speaking
When to Seek a Specialist
Early signs of dystonia often are mild, occasional and may be linked to a specific activity. You should talk to your health care provider if you're having involuntary muscle contractions or movements that begin to interfere with your ability to perform routine, daily tasks. Most cases of dystonia are treatable, especially if they are caused by an underlying condition.
Why Temple for Dystonia
At Temple, specialists can treat your dystonia and help you manage symptoms, so you can get back to your regular activities and improve your quality of life.
Movement disorders experts at the Temple Movement Disorders Program offer specialized care for dystonia. At Temple, you’ll get:
- A team of specialists, including neurologists and neurosurgeons with extensive experience in treating dystonia
- Specialized care from physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other providers focused on supporting patients with movement disorders
- Access to the latest diagnostic tools and treatments
- Personalized medicine with a comprehensive treatment plan designed around your unique needs while living with dystonia
Dystonia Treatment Options
The Movement Disorders Program at the Temple Neurosciences Center is home to researchers and clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of dystonia. While there is no cure for dystonia, Temple providers will work with you to determine the right treatment to relieve or alleviate your symptoms. Most cases of dystonia are treatable, especially those with a manageable or curable underlying cause.
Treatments may include:
- Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) — These injections can block all nerve signals and halt the effects of dystonia for weeks or even months when used on the affected areas.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) — The most common surgical treatment, DBS uses electrodes placed in the brain to deliver a mild electrical current to the part of the brain that can help diminish the symptoms of dystonia.
- Medications — The medications prescribed depend on the symptoms and the underlying cause of the dystonia. However, only some types of dystonia respond well to oral treatments.
At Temple, we make sure you understand each treatment’s potential risks and benefits so you and your family can make decisions with confidence. Your recovery will depend on why your dystonia happened, how severe it is, the treatments you received, any other health conditions you might have, and more.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of dystonia, the specialists at the Temple Movement Disorders Program can help diagnose and work with you to treat your condition. Schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.