Dystonia

Dystonia is a condition where a person has uncontrollable muscle movements in some part of their body. This happens because of faulty signals coming from their brain. Dystonia can range from a short-term or temporary concern to a lifelong issue. Most cases are treatable, especially cases with a treatable or curable underlying cause. Overview Dystonia can happen for many reasons and can take many forms, depending on what causes it and the body parts affected. What is dystonia? Dystonia is a nervous system disorder that causes uncontrollable muscle contractions, meaning a person’s muscles tense up without trying to make the muscles do so. Though it affects muscles, it’s actually an issue with your brain or another part of your nervous system. The name “dystonia” is a combination of the Latin prefix “dys-,” and the Greek word “-tonos,” which refers to muscle tension. The combination of the two words describes a problem where your muscles tense up in a way that’s faulty or incorrect. What is the difference between dystonia and dyskinesia? Dyskinesia and dystonia are closely related but aren’t the same. • Dyskinesia: This word comes from Greek. “Kinesia” comes from the word “kinesis,” which means “movement.” The combined word refers to movements that are faulty or happen in a way they shouldn't. Dyskinesias are involuntary muscle movements, meaning you don't control that they’re happening. • Dystonia. This is a specific type of dyskinesia. With dystonia, muscles tense up for lo...

Dystonia is also classified anatomically. When dystonia affects only one part of the body, it is called focal dystonia. Segmental dystonia affects two or more connected body areas (for example the neck, shoulder, and arm). If two or more areas in different parts of the body are affected, the dystonia is termed multifocal (for example the eyes and vocal cords). Generalized dystonia refers to dystonia that is not limited to a single part of the body but affects multiple muscle groups throughout the body. Generalized dystonia typically affects muscles in the torso and limbs, and sometimes the neck and face. Axial dystonia specifically affects the torso. When dystonia only affects muscles on one side of the body, it is called hemidystonia Certain dystonias are task-specific, meaning the symptoms occur only when the person is performing a specific action or movement. If symptoms only occur in “episodes” that last for minutes or hours, the terms paroxysmal dystonia and dyskinesias are used. The word torsion is sometimes used, usually in reference to generalized, axial, or segmental dystonia. Torsion refers to the twisting element of dystonia. It describes muscles contracting against each other. There are many causes for dystonia. Dystonia may occur due to an inherited or new genetic mutation. Dystonia may also result from changes in brain activity caused by another health condition such as a traumatic brain injury. Certain drugs are known to cause dystonia. However, for many peo...

Advanced diagnosis and treatment At Mayo Clinic, you'll have access to the latest in diagnosis and treatment of dystonia. Mayo Clinic care is tailored to your specific needs. Treatment for dystonia depends on the type of dystonia you have and its severity. People receiving dystonia care at Mayo Clinic have access to a number of treatments, including Members of the Department of Neurology's Expertise and rankings • Experience. More than 1,700 people come to Mayo Clinic for dystonia care every year. Mayo Clinic has a long-standing tradition of researching and treating dystonia and other movement disorders. Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons have experience using Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about Mayo Clinic's Locations, travel and lodging Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states. For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below: Mayo Clinic Healthcare, located in London Costs and insurance Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are priori...