Focal DystoniaPronounced: Fo-kul dis-tone -ee-uh DefinitionFocal dystonia is an irregular movement disorder specific to one part of the body. In dystonia, muscle contractions cause irregular movements, twitches, tics, and twisted or repetitive postures. These may be continuous or off and on. The most common types of focal dystonia are:
Focal dystonia can be treated. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor. CausesDystonias are caused by flaws of the basal ganglia of the brain. This is where messages that begin muscle contractions are processed. Factors that may cause focal dystonia include:
The Process of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Decreasing Available Oxygen Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Risk FactorsFactors that can increase your risk of developing focal dystonia include:
SymptomsIf you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to focal dystonia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions:
Factors that may worsen dystonia include:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a speech-language pathologist, physical or occupational therapists, and/or genetic counselors. Tests may include:
Electroencephalography Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following: MedicationsCertain medicines may help correct imbalances in neurotransmitters. Medicines used to treat dystonia include:
Anticonvulsant medicines may also help people with dystonia. Your doctor will balance treating your symptoms with reducing the risk of side effects from the medicines. Botulinum Toxin InjectionsInjecting botulinum toxin directly into the muscles affected by dystonia can weaken the muscle. This may help improve symptoms for 3-4 months. SurgerySurgery to cut the nerves leading to muscles affected by dystonia or removing the muscles may help reduce muscle contractions. In addition, surgery to destroy the small area within the brain that dystonia occurs from may stop or reduce the disorder. More recently, some success has been reported using surgically implanted deep brain stimulation to reduce symptoms of dystonia. PreventionThere is no known way of preventing focal dystonia. To help reduce your chances of getting this condition, take steps to reduce your risk of infection, stroke, trauma, and carbon monoxide or heavy metal poisoning. In addition, if you take any of the following medicines, talk with your doctor about your risk of developing dystonia as a side effect:
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders Canadian Movement Disorder Group Health Canada Cervical dystonia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated August 29, 2012. Accessed February 25, 2013. Dystonia. The Canadian Movement Disorder Group website. Available at: http://www.cmdg.org/Movement_/dystonia/dystonia.htm . Accessed February 25, 2013. Gaenslen A. Transcranial sonography in dystonia. Int Rev Neurobiol . 2010;90:179-87. Meige Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Available at: http://www.raredis... . Accessed February 25, 2013. NINDS dystonias information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dystonias/dystonias.htm . Updated February 21, 2013. Accessed February 25, 2013. Overview of dystonia. Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders website. Available at: http://www.wemove.org/dys/dys.html . Updated January 14, 2011. Accessed February 25, 2013. Last reviewed March 2013 by Rimas Lukas, MD |
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