Movement Disorders
Dystonia
Dr. Mit Ankur Raval
Dystonia causes sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that produce abnormal postures or patterned movements. It can be focal, segmental or more widespread.
Dystonia in practice
Common clinical patterns.
Cervical dystonia
Abnormal neck posturing or repetitive movements, sometimes associated with pain.
Cranial dystonia
Blepharospasm and other focal cranial patterns can affect vision or facial function.
Task-specific dystonia
Writing, playing an instrument or other specific activities can provoke symptoms.
Botulinum toxin
Targeted injections are a common treatment for selected focal and segmental dystonias.
Rehabilitation
Physical, occupational or speech therapy may complement medical treatment.
Advanced therapy
DBS may be considered for selected patients with significant disability despite appropriate conventional treatment.
Patient questions
Patient questions
Can dystonia be confused with tremor or tics?
Yes. Detailed movement phenomenology helps distinguish different disorders.
Is botulinum toxin effective for dystonia?
It can be highly useful for selected focal and segmental dystonias when accurately targeted.
Does dystonia always worsen?
The course varies substantially between different dystonia syndromes.
Patient reference: Dystonia Medical Research Foundation information on treatment and botulinum toxin. DMRF
Appointments
Book a neurological consultation.
Clinic and appointment details will be updated here.