What is dystonia?

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Dystonia is a motor disorder wherein muscle movement and function becomes abnormal. Various medical conditions may present with dystonia in varying degrees and ways. Most common signs of dystonia include tremors and twisting movements which can be rapid, repetitive, and continuous.  With problems in muscle tone, people with dystonia often have problems maintaining a certain position such as sitting or standing for example.  Some patients also suffer from dystonia of various muscle groups like the whole upper or lower extremities for example.  There are also cases wherein only small joints in the hands or feet are involved.

Primary type of dystonia refers to cases wherein abnormal muscle tone and function are the only main symptoms.  Secondary type meanwhile refers to cases that arise from other medical and/or neurological conditions.  Muscle tone is said to be controlled by a normal brain and when there is neurological affection, the function and tone of muscles will be affected.  Medical experts have always pointed out however that even if dystonia is classified under neurological cases, cognitive ability is often not affected.

Some cases of dystonia are referred to as early-onset dystonia because symptoms are apparent early in life. From being a newborn to about 30 years of age, when there are abnormalities in muscle function and tone, cases are referred to as early-onset dystonia.  For cases that occur much later in life and secondary to other medical conditions, they are called as “late-onset dystonia”.  Aside from the twisting motions and tremors, there may also be muscle pulling and/or spasms in the affected muscle or muscle group.  When the muscles of the eyes are affected, patients may also present with light sensitivity and excessive blinking.  For dystonia affecting the hand muscles, patients will have difficulty in handwriting and grasping objects. Dystonia treatment varies depending on type and severity of the condition.  Drugs such as levodopa, anti-cholinergic, and muscle-relaxants are often prescribed. Physical therapy is also helpful in most cases and there are times wherein surgery or deep brain stimulation may be necessary.

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