Dystonia: Understanding the Involuntary Movements
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause sustained or twisting postures or repetitive movements. These abnormal movements can affect any part of the body, although some forms target specific areas more commonly.
These movements may be localized to specific body parts or affect multiple areas of the body. Dystonia can be either focal, affecting only one part of the body, or generalized, involving multiple muscle groups.
Who does dystonia affect?
Dystonia can develop at any age, but it often begins in childhood in 1st and 2nd decade of life. It can affect people of all genders and ethnicities. In some cases, dystonia may be hereditary, while other cases may be caused by factors such as injury, stroke, or infection or metabolic derangement.
Causes of dystonia
The exact cause is often a mystery, but it likely involves:
- Metabolic diseases of brain: Wilson’s disease, NBIA (Neuro-degeneration with iron accumulation) etc.
- Genetics: Inherited gene mutations can raise the risk.
- Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, encephalitis etc.
- External triggers: Head injury, stroke, birth hypoxia, neonatal jaundice, medications, or other illnesses can sometimes cause dystonia.
Early diagnosis is key to determine the underlying cause and get you on the right treatment path.
Dystonia Symptoms – How does it affect my body?
The primary symptom of dystonia is involuntary muscle contractions that can cause:
- Sustained postures: Twisted or abnormal positioning of a body part, such as a foot turning inward or a neck tilting to one side.
- Repetitive movements: Jerking, twitching, or tremors in a specific muscle group.
- Pain: Muscle contractions can cause discomfort and pain.
Types of Dystonia
Dystonia can be classified based on the area of the body affected.
- Focal dystonia: This affects a single muscle group, such as:
- Blepharospasm: Involuntary blinking or eye closure.
- Bruxism: Involuntary teeth grinding or clenching.
- Writer’s cramp: Difficulty writing due to hand muscle contractions.
- Segmental dystonia: Affects two or more adjacent body regions, for example:
- Cervical dystonia (torticollis): Twisting of the neck.
- Meige’s syndrome: Involves abnormal movements of the face, neck, and sometimes limbs.
- Hemidystonia: Affects one side of the body.
- Generalized dystonia: Affects multiple areas of the body.
Dystonia treatment by medicines
Medications: Various drugs can help manage mild dystonia in early stages- like tetrabenazine, trihexyphenydyl, clonazepam, Baclofen etc.
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox): Injected into specific muscles, Botox® blocks nerve signals, providing relief for focal or segmental dystonia for a period of average 3 months. The injections have to be repeated every 3 months or so every year for the benefit to sustain.
In advanced and severe cases, neither medicines nor Botox injections give any significant relief.
Is there a long-term cure for dystonia?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency waves to heat and destroy a small target area in the brain responsible for dystonia symptoms. RFA is typically used for advanced cases when dystonia is disabling and medications are not effective. RFA can offer significant symptom relief for many years.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This surgical procedure implants electrodes in specific areas of the brain responsible for abnormal signals causing tremors and dystonia. DBS sends electrical pulses to regulate these signals, effectively reducing involuntary movements. DBS has shown remarkable results in managing various dystonia types, with long-lasting improvements in many patients.
Is there a permanent cure of ET?
Yes, RFA (radio-frequency ablation) procedure offers a very long-lasting or permanent cure for ET without the need of any medicines.
Wrapping up…
Dystonia is a challenging condition, but there is hope. A person with dystonia often feels disabled, and cannot perform basic tasks like writing, eating, moving his neck sideways or walking depending on the body part affected. This has deep impact on his/her self-esteem, independence, education, professional and personal life. If you are experiencing involuntary movements or suspect you may have dystonia, schedule an appointment with a Neuromodulation expert in Ahmedabad to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options.
Looking for an dystonia treatment in Ahmedabad?
Schedule an appointment: Contact us today to schedule a consultation with neurologist in Ahmedabad. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dystonia can cause involuntary muscle contractions that lead to repetitive movements, twisting, or abnormal postures. Common symptoms include uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm), a twisted neck (cervical dystonia), and writer’s cramp, which is a difficulty with hand movements when writing. The severity and symptoms vary depending on the type and affected body part.
Diagnosis of dystonia usually involves a comprehensive neurological examination, family history review, and possibly imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to rule out other conditions. Treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms, such as anticholinergics, muscle relaxants, or botulinum toxin injections. In some cases, physical therapy or surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) might be recommended to help control muscle contractions.
Our Specialist
Dr Sagar Betai
Source/s: Banner Image by Freepik.com | Inner Image (1) by Freepik.com | Inner Image (2) by Freepik.com