Dystonia

Dystonia is a class of movement disorders in which muscle contractions cause twisting and abnormal postures. These involuntary movements are often painful. They can occur in a single muscle, a group of muscles, or an entire side of the body.

Symptoms and causes

Symptoms can start small, such as foot cramps or difficulty writing. Some symptoms may only appear after long periods of exercise or with stress or exhaustion.

The cause of dystonia is not known in about half of the cases. In other cases, it can be caused by:

Genetics (passed down from parents)
Birth injury
Heavy metal poisoning
Drug exposure
Infection

Treatment

There is no single treatment for dystonia. Some patients respond well to medications. For cases that affect a specific part of the body, injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) can improve the abnormal movements as well as the related pain.

In cases that do not respond to medications or Botox injections, doctors may use a treatment called deep brain stimulation. This involves the use of a stimulating device similar to a pacemaker.

Movement Disorders Clinic

Our care team includes multiple neurologists who specialize in certain movement disorders. Due to our outstanding national reputation, thousands of patients each year seek evaluation and treatment at our Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic. Many are drawn by our designation as both a Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral Center and a Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson’s Disease Program of Excellence.

At our clinic, patients receive sensitive care from our nursing staff. They benefit from the latest diagnostic and treatment methods, including neuropsychological evaluations, medications, deep brain stimulation, and Botox injection therapy. Our specialists in physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help maximize functional abilities and quality of life from the time that treatment begins.

Because we are an academic and research center, patients may be eligible for promising new medical and surgical therapies not available at other medical centers. Each new patient at the Movement Disorders Clinic is considered for participation in clinical research trials for these new treatments.