What it is
Some types are inherited or start in childhood, while others start in adulthood. Some medicines can also cause it.
There is no cure, but treatment can help a lot. Botulinum toxin injections are often used for dystonia in one area. Medicines, physiotherapy and, in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery may also help.
Common signs
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- The head twisting or pulling to one side
- Uncontrolled blinking or eyes closing
- A hand cramping when writing
- Tremor
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment by a neurologist
- Blood tests, scans or genetic tests in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- Dates and doses of botulinum toxin injections and how well they worked
- Genetic test results, if done
- Physiotherapy plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of dystonia is it, and is it inherited?
- Would injections help me?
- Could any of my medicines be causing it?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe muscle spasms affecting breathing or swallowing, especially after starting a new medicine: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.