UNDERSTANDING DYSTONIA
Dystonia* is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. These contractions force certain parts of the body into repetitive, twisting movements or painful postures that may interfere with everyday functions like walking, sleeping, eating, and talking. Primarily a hereditary condition, dystonia is the third most common movement disorder in the United States, following essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.1
Types of Dystonia
There are two types of dystonia:
- Primary dystonia – a condition in which dystonia is the only symptom (no other pathology)
- Secondary dystonia – the result of another health condition such as stroke or infections. It may also result from an injury, such as trauma to the brain
Dystonia is further classified by the part of the body that is affected:
- Focal dystonia (including cervical) affects one area of the body
- Segmental dystonia affects two or more nearby areas of the body
- Generalized dystonia affects the entire body
Causes
Although the causes of dystonia are unclear, primary dystonia is mainly hereditary. Generalized dystonia is considered the most difficult form of dystonia to live with and to treat.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Although dystonia has no cure, there are a number of treatments available for finding relief. Deep brain stimulation therapy may be an option if you have chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia. Talk to your doctor about which treatments may work best for you.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
*
Humanitarian Device - Authorized by Federal Law as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia, including generalized and/or segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis), in patients seven years of age or above. The effectiveness of the devices for treating these conditions has not been demonstrated.