The movements can interfere with daily life and cause physical discomfort.
For some people with dystonia, the appearance of the movements can be embarrassing or distracting.
Dystonia is not dangerous or life-threatening, but it can interfere with the quality of life.
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Medical treatments can help alleviate dystonia.
The term for this is multifocal dystonia.
The same movements may recur frequently every day.
Unlike a seizure, dystonic movements do not rapidly recur within a few seconds or minutes.
Dystonia is not associated with any change in consciousness or awareness.
It is especially associated with changes in the basal ganglia, which is located in the brain stem.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is particularly associated with the control of movements.
A defect in dopamine production or responsiveness is often associated with dystonia.
Dystonia vs. Dyskinesia
Dyskinesiais another movement disorder that is often confused with dystonia.
Your physical examination will include a comprehensiveneurological examination.
Your healthcare provider will observe you to see if you experience any involuntary movements during your physical examination.
You might not necessarily have them during your medical visit, depending on how frequently they occur.
Your provider will assess your muscle tone, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and ability to walk.
Some types of dystonia are associated with changes in these aspects of the physical examination.
Sometimes, physical therapy may help you cope, but it does not completely treat dystonia.
Medication adjustments may be necessary if dystonia occurs as a medication side effect.
Procedures
Some interventions can prevent the muscle from contracting involuntarily.
Dystonia is often a symptom of underlying medical conditions or occurs as a side effect of medication.
However, dystonia will not resolve unless it is either treated or the underlying cause is managed.
Coping
Living with dystonia can be extremely challenging.
Aside from medical management, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments can help a person manage their day-to-day life.
Sometimes, dystonia may improve with medication.
It often results from medication or brain damage.
Dystonia can be uncomfortable and interfere with day-to-day life.
There are treatments for dystonia, including medication and certain procedures that can help prevent involuntary movements.
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