Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which involuntary muscle contractions cause repetitive or twisting movements and abnormal postures. It can affect a single muscle, a group of muscles, or muscles throughout the body. Dystonia can be painful and disabling, but with proper neurological assessment and treatment — including Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections and other therapies — symptoms can be significantly reduced.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia results from abnormal signaling in the basal ganglia and associated brain networks that control muscle tone. It may be primary (genetic or idiopathic) or secondary (caused by another neurological condition, brain injury, or medication). It ranges from mild focal forms to severe generalized dystonia affecting the whole body.
Common Symptoms
- Involuntary muscle contractions causing twisted postures
- Repetitive movements that cannot be controlled voluntarily
- Neck turning or tilting (cervical dystonia / torticollis)
- Uncontrolled eye blinking or eye closure (blepharospasm)
- Writer's cramp or task-specific hand dystonia
- Foot inversion or plantar flexion while walking
- Jaw or tongue movements (oromandibular dystonia)
- Painful muscle spasms
Types of Dystonia
Focal Dystonia
Affects one body part — examples include cervical dystonia (neck), blepharospasm (eyes), writer's cramp (hand), and spasmodic dysphonia (voice).
Segmental Dystonia
Affects two or more adjacent body parts.
Generalized Dystonia
Affects the trunk and at least two other body regions, usually beginning in childhood.
Hemidystonia
Affects one side of the body, often due to a structural brain lesion.
Diagnosis
- Detailed neurological examination and dystonia characterization
- Medical and medication history
- MRI Brain and Spine
- Genetic testing (for primary/hereditary dystonia)
- Blood and metabolic tests
- Levodopa trial (to exclude dopa-responsive dystonia)
Treatment Options
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections — first-line for focal dystonia
- Oral medications (trihexyphenidyl, clonazepam, baclofen)
- Levodopa for dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD)
- Intrathecal baclofen pump (for severe generalized dystonia)
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for medically refractory cases
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Sensory tricks and adaptive strategies
When Should You See a Neurologist?
- Involuntary muscle contractions or twisted postures
- Painful neck turning or tilting
- Uncontrolled eye blinking or eye closure
- Task-specific hand cramping (writer's cramp)
- Limb or trunk posturing that interferes with daily activities
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Consultant Neurologist specializing in Movement Disorders
- Expert Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection Therapy
- Personalized Treatment Plans including DBS
- Evidence-Based Neurological Care
- Compassionate Patient-Centered Approach
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Care