Although dystonia is one of the
most common movement disorders, it’s frequently misdiagnosed. Symptoms of
dystonia aren’t consistent from patient to patient, so many physicians don’t recognize
the patterns of the disorder. UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians are
specially trained in the diagnosis and management of dystonia.
Causes
Researchers believe that dystonia
results from an abnormality in or damage to the basal ganglia – clusters of
tightly interconnected nerve cells deep in the brain that are responsible for
voluntary motor control.
The abnormality or damage could
be the result of:
- An inherited
condition caused by genetic mutations
- Birth injuries
- Exposure to
certain drugs
- Trauma or
injury to the nervous system, caused by infection, stroke, or multiple
sclerosis
In many cases, no specific
trigger or cause is identifiable.
Symptoms of Dystonia
Dystonia symptoms can start at
any age but usually appear between the ages of 20 and 60 and most often between
ages 30 and 50. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can interfere with a
person’s ability to complete daily tasks. Dystonia can affect the whole body or
certain parts of the body, and symptoms vary, depending on the type of dystonia
the patient has.
The main symptoms of dystonia
are:
- Abnormal
posture
- Cramps
- Involuntary
muscle contractions that result in slow, repetitive movements
- Twisting
body movements
Symptoms might also include:
- Difficulty
speaking
- Foot cramps
- Muscle
tremors
- Rapid eye
blinking or closing
- Turning or
dragging of the foot
- Worsening of
handwriting
Symptoms might become more
noticeable when a person is tired or under stress.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on a clinical
evaluation by a neurologist. The types of tests each patient needs can vary
widely and might include any of the following:
Neurologists at UT Southwestern provide
not only an accurate diagnosis but also options for treatment plans based on
each patient’s diagnosis and goals. The Movement Disorders team maintains an
ongoing relationship with each patient, monitoring progress and offering
support at every step.
