Dystonia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Dystonia is a movement disorder, in which muscles contract unwantedly and cause repetitive, twisting movements. This condition can affect one part of the body (focal dystonia), two or more related areas (segmental dystonia), or all parts of the body (general dystonia).
Muscle contractions (spasms) can be mild or severe and can affect a person’s performance and daily activities. Existing treatment can relieve complaints. Sometimes, surgery is also used to remove or regulate the function of certain nerves or parts of the brain in individuals with severe dystonia.
Symptom
Dystonia can affect a person in many different ways. Muscle contractions that occur can be:
- Starting in one specific area, such as a leg, neck, or arm. Focal dystonia that occurs after the age of 21 years generally starts in the neck, arms or face, and is focal or segmental in nature.
- Arise when doing certain things, such as writing.
- Made worse by stress, fatigue, or anxiety.
- It becomes more visible with time.
Body parts that can experience this condition include:
- Neck (cervical dystonia). Contractions can cause the head to turn to one side, move it back and forth, and are sometimes painful.
- Eyelid. Rapid blinking or involuntary spasms can affect vision. Spasms generally do not cause pain. It’s just that this condition can increase when exposed to bright light, feel stressed, or are interacting with other people. In addition, the eyes will also feel dry.
- Jaw or tongue (oromandibular dystonia). Those who experience this condition usually speak unclearly, drool, or have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Oromandibular dystonia can be painful and may occur with cervical dystonia or eyelid spasm.
- Voice box and vocal cords. Voice can be heard squeezed or whispered.
- Hands and forearms. Sometimes dystonia can occur with repetitive activities, such as writing (writer’s dystonia) or playing certain musical instruments (musician’s dystonia).
Reason
The cause of dystonia is not known with certainty. However, it is thought that this condition involves changes in communication between nerve cells in different parts of the brain. In addition, genetic aspects are thought to play a role in several types of dystonia.
Dystonia can also appear as a symptom of a disease, incl
1. Parkinson’s disease
2. Huntington’s disease
3. Wilson’s disease
4. Traumatic brain injury
5. Strokes
6. Brain tumors or disorders arising in individuals with cancer
7. Lack of oxygen or carbon monoxide poisoning
8. Infection, such as tuberculosis or encephalitis
9. Reaction to certain medications
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dystonia can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if needed.
Several types of supporting examinations that can be suggested are:
- Blood or urine tests. This examination can show the presence of toxic substances or the presence of other health conditions underlying the problem.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerized Tomography (CT) examination. These imaging tests can identify abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors, lesions, or evidence of a stroke.
- Electromyography (EMG). This examination can measure electrical activity in the muscles.
Treatment
To overcome the muscle contractions that occur in people with dystonia, doctors may recommend a combination of medication, therapy, and surgery. Several types of medication can be given, either by injection into the muscle or taken orally. The treatment serves to reduce or eliminate muscle contractions and correct abnormal postures.
Doctors can also suggest to undergo therapy. Things that can be done include physical therapy to relieve complaints, speech therapy if dystonia affects the voice, and stretching or massage to relieve muscle pain.
If the symptoms are classified as severe, the doctor may recommend stimulation to the brain using electrodes to emit electrical pulses to the brain and control muscle contractions. Selective denervation surgery may also be performed.
which involves cutting a nerve that causes muscle contraction.
Prevention
Dystonia of unknown cause is something that cannot be prevented. However, secondary dystonia that arises due to certain health conditions can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly and consuming balanced nutrition.