Dystonia UK

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that presents with uncontrollable muscle spasms caused by incorrect signals from the brain, which can, for some, be painful. It is the third most common movement disorder behind Parkinson’s and essential tremor.

Dystonia affects both adults and children. There are many different causes and types of dystonia. How it affects people and the way it might change or progress over time depends on the underlying cause.

However, the severity of symptoms can vary from one person to another, even if they have the same cause or type.

It is usually a lifelong condition, however, in most cases it is not life limiting. While currently no cure, there are several treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms and scientists around the world are actively pursuing research toward new therapies.

Dystonia affects people of all backgrounds, ages, races and circumstances.

Dystonia is triggered by incorrect signals from the brain.

These may be caused by genetics, a brain injury, a drug reaction or as a symptom of another condition but in some cases, there is no known or clear cause.

Dystonia can affect any region of the body. The symptoms can vary a lot between the different types of dystonia.

Common symptoms of dystonia may include:

• uncontrolled muscle cramps and spasms
• body parts twisting into unusual positions
• shaking (tremor)
• uncontrolled blinking
• vision loss
• a breathy or strangled-sounding voice
• slurred speech
• hand cramps

Some people with dystonia experience pain while others report none. Pain is more commonly experienced by those with neck dystonia and generalised dystonia although some people with other types also report experiencing pain.

Yes! You may also hear it referred to by names like: Cervical dystonia, Blepharospasm, Generalised dystonia, Focal dystonia, Dopa-responsive dystonia, Myoclonic dystonia, Paroxysmal dystonia, Tardive dystonia, Functional dystonia, Oromandibular dystonia, Spasmodic torticollis, Meige syndrome, Hemidystonia, Spasmodic dysphonia