Dystonia

Dystonia is usually a lifelong condition and symptoms may be constant, or occasional. They include:

• uncontrolled, painful muscle cramps and spasms
• blinking that cannot be controlled
• abnormal fixed positions; your neck twisting to one side, for example
• uncontrolled shaking

Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will ask about your symptoms and family history as dystonia can be hereditary.

Dystonia can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests. Brain scans such as MRI or CT scans can display underlying issues such as strokes, tumours or lesions.

A further test called an electromyography exam measures electrical activity within the muscles. Your consultant will tell you the type of dystonia you have and which part of your body is affected.

While there's no cure for dystonia, symptoms can be controlled through medication. This includes a muscle relaxants, which is injected into the muscles to stop contractions.

Therapy may help to ease muscle pain and improve speech, and deep brain stimulation may also help control symptoms. Here, electrodes are implanted in the brain and a tiny generator sends electrical impulses to control the spasms.

If these treatments don't work, selective denervation surgery is an option. This involves cutting the nerves causing the spasms.