Pronounced: Fo-kul dis-tone -ee-uh
Focal 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 which may be sustained or intermittent.
Focal dystonia can be treated. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor.
The most common types of focal dystonia are:
Dystonias are caused by an abnormality in the basal ganglia of the brain, which is where messages that initiate muscle contractions are processed. Factors that may cause focal dystonia include:
The following factors increase your chance of developing focal dystonia. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume focal dystonia is the cause. These symptoms may be attributed to other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may refer you to a speech-language pathologist, physical or occupational therapists, and/or genetic counselors.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Certain medications may help correct imbalances in neurotransmitters. Medications used to treat dystonia include:
Anticonvulsant medications may also help people with dystonia. Since these medications are associated with certain side effects, your doctor will balance treating your symptoms with reducing the risk of side effects.
Injecting botulinum toxin (eg, botox) directly into the muscles affected by dystonia can weaken the muscle. This may help improve symptoms of dystonia for 3-4 months.
Surgery to cut the nerves leading to muscles affected by dystonia or removing the muscles altogether may help reduce dystonic muscle contractions. In addition, surgery to destroy the small area within the brain that dystonia originates from may successfully stop or reduce the disorder. More recently, some success has been reported using surgically implanted deep brain stimulation to reduce symptoms of dystonia.
Factors that may worsen dystonia include:
There 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 medications, talk with your doctor about your risk of developing dystonia as a side effect:
RESOURCES:
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders
http://www.wemove.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Movement Disorder Group
http://www.cmdg.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Dystonia. The Canadian Movement Disorder Group website. Available at: http://www.cmdg.org/Movement_/dystonia/dystonia.htm . Accessed November 8, 2006.
Dystonias information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dystonias/dystonias.htm . Accessed November 8, 2006.
Focal dystonia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed February 18, 2008.
Meige Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Available at: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Meige%20Syndrome . Accessed February 18, 2008.
Overview of dystonia. Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders website. Available at: http://www.wemove.org/dys/dys.html . Accessed November 8, 2006.
Tsui JK. Cervical Dystonia. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation. MedLink website. Available at: http://www.medlink.com . Accessed February 18, 2008.
Last reviewed January 2009 by J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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