Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscle contractions and sustained, repetitive, and often patterned movements or postures. It can affect any body part, including the neck, face, eyes, voice, limbs, and trunk. Dystonia can be classified into various types based on the body part affected, such as cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), blepharospasm (eyelid spasm), or writer’s cramp.
The exact cause of dystonia is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve problems in the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei in the brain that helps control movement. Some cases of dystonia may be inherited, while others can result from head injury, exposure to certain toxins, or a reaction to certain medications. There is no cure for dystonia, but various treatments can help manage its symptoms, including medications, botulinum toxin injections, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity and frequency of dystonic movements and improve the affected person’s quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Dystonia
Best Treatment Options for Dystonia