What is Dystoniadys·to·ni·a
disˈtōnēə/
What are the symptoms of Dystonia?
Dystonia can affect many different parts of the body, and the symptoms are different depending upon the form of dystonia. Early symptoms may include a foot cramp or a tendency for one foot to turn or drag—either sporadically or after running or walking some distance—or a worsening in handwriting after writing several lines. In other instances, the neck may turn or pull involuntarily, especially when the person is tired or under stress. Sometimes both eyes might blink rapidly and uncontrollably; other times, spasms will cause the eyes to close. Symptoms may also include tremor or difficulties speaking. In some cases, dystonia can affect only one specific action, while allowing others to occur unimpeded. For example, a musician may have dystonia when using her hand to play an instrument, but not when using the same hand to type. The initial symptoms can be very mild and may be noticeable only after prolonged exertion, stress, or fatigue. Over a period of time, the symptoms may become more noticeable or widespread; sometimes, however, there is little or no progression. Dystonia typically is not associated with problems thinking or understanding, but depression and anxiety may be present. What is Dystonia
Dystonia causes involuntary repetitive twisting and sustained muscle contractions. These result in abnormal movements and postures. The symptoms usually begin in one body region, such as the neck, face, vocal cords, an arm or a leg, and then may spread to other parts of the body. When dystonia affects children, it often starts in a leg before spreading to other limbs and trunk. In adults, dystonia tends to remain localized to a body region and frequently affects first the upper body. Dystonia usually occurs or worsens during voluntary movement. It may also happen with movement of other unaffected body regions or when the affected body part is at rest. Dystonia may lead to sustained fixed postures potentially causing permanent contractures. The symptoms of dystonia typically increase during stress, emotional upset or fatigue, and decrease during rest and sleep. Many people living with dystonia can temporarily suppress their symptoms by using “sensory tricks”. These are a unique feature of dystonia, consistent of touching the affected or an adjacent body part to decrease the pulling or posturing. |
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Dystonia The Doctors Alex's Story Montel Williams
Dystonia The Doctors Alex's Story Montel Williams Part 4
dystonia2025 Uploaded on May 17, 2011 Generalized Dystonia Movement Disorder Deep Brain Stimulation DBS |
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Symptoms and Treatment of Oromandibular Dystonia: Focal Neuromuscular Complication in Women
Neurological complications that affect muscle movement in and around the face can lead to life altering health complications. With many facial muscle complications associated with degenerative complications, the loss of speech, self-feeding and even management of facial expressions becomes a concern.Oromandibular dystonia is a neurological complication that affects the movement of the facial muscles around the ear and jaw. Described as a complication that results in involuntary and repetitive muscle contractions, the individual who suffers from oromandibular dystonia commonly experiences very specific complications of the lips, tongue, jaw and the pharynx.
Most commonly occurring in older women, oromandibular dystonia has a general onset age of 50 years with many women experience complications in chewing, swallowing and may even lose teeth prematurely. The loss of teeth is believed to be associated with involuntary and repetitive grinding of the teeth. For individuals who suffer from oromandibular dystonia the treatment options are quite varied. Most often, treatment will begin with the use of medications and Botox injections. Using dental appliances, some degree of tooth grinding may be improved while local anesthetic blocks may help to improve pain symptoms. Unfortunately, there is not a surgical procedure that has been shown to be effective at alleviating this neuromuscular complication. While many forms of dystonia take on a more general approach to complications, the development of oromandibular dystonia if focal and localized to the facial area. While the condition is life altering, it is not life threatening and generally does not lead to other neuromuscular health complications. If you, or someone you love, is suffering from the involuntary and repetitive movement of the facial muscles, it is important to seek medical attention immediately from a neurologist. If confirmed as a complication associated with oromandibular dystonia, ask your neurologist for a referral to not only a dermatologist for Botox injections, but also to a speech therapist, to maintain integrity of speech, and to an dentist or orthodontist to address issues involving potential long term dental complications. With proper diagnosis and early intervention, many individuals who suffer from the neuromuscular complication known as oromandibular dystonia can improve the long term outcomes of this disorder. With proper management of chewing, speech and integrity of teeth, the overall quality of life can be maintained with a few minor medical treatments. Without treatment, the ability to live independently may be compromised as oromandibular dystonia may result in an inability to self-feed, result in malnutrition and, ultimately, may affect the social and emotional well being. |
Dystonia episode upper body - Parkinson's related
ABC News Dealing with Dystonia
ABC News Dealing with Dystonia
dystonia2025 Uploaded on Mar 15, 2011 Dystonia Movement Disorder Cervical dystonia spasmodic torticollis Blepharospasm Oromandibular dystonia Spasmodic dysphonia Laryngeal dystonia Focal dystonia writer's cramp Deep Brain Stimulation DBS Botox Generalized Paroxysmal Dystonia
TreacyElizabeth Published on Jun 27, 2014 My dystonia is worse on my left side and here you can see how it affects my left arm. Dystonic Storm
TreacyElizabeth Published on Aug 19, 2014 Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder yet most have never heard of it. To learn more and find other dystonia resources visit: www.dystoniaaware.org |
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