DYSTONIA
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily.
Some facts about dystonia are as follows:
- The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in use does not function correctly,
causing opposing muscles to contract simultaneously.
- Can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Elements shared by the different types of dystonia: repetitive, patterned, and often twisting, involuntary
muscle contractions.
- Disrupts the nervous system’s ability to effectively communicate between the brain and the muscles.
- May affect one muscle, a group of muscles, or all muscles.
Treatment for dystonia:
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections
- Baclofen Pump implants
- Oral Medications
- Baclofen and Botox are most affective when used in combination with physical, occupational, and/or
speech therapies
