Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Dystonia
MOVEMENT DISORDER
Our multi-disciplinary neuroscience unit can diagnose and treat the symptoms of dystonia, improving quality of life
What is dystonia?
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder causing repetitive muscle contractions. This causes involuntary muscle spasms and abnormal fixed body positions.
Dystonia can affect the whole body, one part of the body, or a number of adjacent areas. There's no cure, but treatment can help relieve symptoms.
Need to know
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.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.