We know: All about DystoniaWhat is dystonia?The dystonias are movement disorders in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle, a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck, or the entire body.What are some of the symptoms of dystonia?Early symptoms may include a deterioration in handwriting (after writing several lines), foot cramps and a tendency of one foot to pull up or drag after running or walking some distance. Other possible symptoms are tremor and voice or speech difficulties. What can cause symptoms of dystonia?
How are the dystonias classified?One way to classify the dystonias is according to the parts of the body they affect:
Is there any treatment for dystonia?No one treatment has been found universally effective. Instead, physicians use a variety of therapies (medications, surgery and other treatments such as physical therapy, splinting, stress management, and biofeedback), aimed at reducing or eliminating muscle spasms and pain. Since response to drugs varies among patients and even in the same person over time, the most effective therapy is often individualized. | |||||
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