Description Dystonia is the unc...
Description
Dystonia is the uncontrollable contraction of your muscles. It may affect a single area of the body (focal), multiple areas (segmental) or your entire body (generalized). Some forms of dystonia are inherited while others are associated with certain diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, Huntington's disease, brain tumors, lead and carbon monoxide poisoning, strokes and traumatic brain injury. In many other cases, no obvious cause is found.
Symptoms
Symptoms include involuntary muscle contractions that may produce repetitive movements (eye blinking), altered posture or an altered voice. Symptoms may worsen with fatigue or stress.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and brain imaging studies may be required.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: lead level, CO level,
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Occupational Medicine, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and brain imaging studies may be required.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: lead level, CO level,
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Occupational Medicine, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
There is currently no treatment that will cure dystonia. However, there are several treatments that can help alleviate symptoms associated with dystonia. They include medications, botulinum toxin injections, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and physical therapy.