Dystonia Defined

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily. These muscle ccontractions force the body into twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal postures.

• Dystonia is estimated to affect 300,000 individuals in North America--100,000 of them children. However, awareness and proper diagnosis are extremely limited.

• It is common for a patient to undergo numerous physician visits over the course of years to achieve correct diagnosis.

• There is no singular diagnostic test for dystonia. A neurologist who specializes in movement disorders can diagnose dystonia by observing symptoms.

• There is no cure for dystonia.

• There is no single treatment or therapy that is appropriate for all cases of dystonia. Treatment may include:

• Medical therapies attempt to suppress or reduce muscle contractions but do not dimish or eradicate the underlying disease.

• Dystonia can interfere with nearly all aspects of a person's life including daily functions such as walking, sitting, sleeping, eating, and talking.

• Appearance of awkward body postures and uncontrollable movements often make patients reluctant to go out in public or withdraw from family and friends for fear of being misunderstood or mistreated.

• Dystonia can have an enormous impact on families, spouses, are caregivers who support severely disabled patients.

Writing by Dystonia Medical Research Foundation