Dystonia

Diagnosis

Your doctor may begin the diagnosis of dystonia by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam.

Your doctor might advise the following to ascertain whether underlying disorders are the source of your symptoms:

• Blood or urine tests. These tests may show signs of toxins or other diseases.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The results of these imaging tests can reveal any issues with your brain, including tumors, lesions, or signs of a stroke.
• Electromyography (EMG). The electrical activity of the muscles is assessed with this technique.
• Genetic testing. Some types of dystonia are linked to particular genes. Treatment can be influenced by knowing if you carry certain genes.

Treatment

Your doctor might suggest a mix of drugs, therapy, or surgery to treat dystonia.

Medications

Your muscular spasms may be lessened or stopped by injections of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. Typically, injections are repeated every three to four months.

The majority of side effects are minor and transient. Weakness, a dry mouth, or vocal changes are a few examples.

Other drugs target neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that influence how your muscles move. The choices consist of:

• Carbidopa–levodopa. Dopamine levels may rise as a result of this treatment. Additionally, this medication may be tried as a diagnostic aid for some forms of dystonia.
• Trihexyphenidyl and benztropine. Other than dopamine, these two drugs affect other neurotransmitters. Memory loss, impaired vision, tiredness, dry mouth, and constipation are possible side effects.
• Diazepam, clonazepam, and baclofen. These drugs lessen neurotransmission, which may help with some types of dystonia. They could have adverse consequences, such drowsiness.
• Tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine. These two drugs stop dopamine from working. Sedation, anxiety, and depression are examples of possible side effects.

Therapy

Your doctor may advise you to:

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both can be used to improve functionality and reduce symptoms.
• Muscle stretches or massages to relieve discomfort.
• Speech therapy if your voice is affected by dystonia.

Surgery

If you have significant symptoms, surgery might be beneficial. Several surgical procedures can be used to treat dystonia:

• Deep brain stimulation. A generator is surgically implanted in your chest, and electrodes are placed in a specific area of your brain. Your brain receives electrical pulses from the generator that may aid in controlling the contraction of your muscles. You can modify the generator’s settings to cure your particular problem.
• Selective denervation surgery. The nerves responsible for regulating muscular spasms are cut during this surgery. When other cervical dystonia treatments have failed, this can be a possibility.