What is dystonia of the muscles?
What is dystonia? Dystonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements may be painful, and some individuals with dystonia may have a tremor or other neurological symptoms.
How does dystonia affect the muscular system?
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably. The contraction causes the affected body part to twist involuntarily, resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect one muscle, a muscle group, or the entire body.
What are the different types of dystonia?
Types of dystonia
- Generalised dystonia – affects most or all of the body.
- Focal dystonia – affects one part of the body.
- Multifocal dystonia – affects two or more unrelated parts of the body.
- Segmental dystonia – affects two or more adjacent parts of the body.
Does dystonia affect skeletal muscle?
Dystonia affects muscles that can be controlled voluntarily mostly the skeletal muscles. Dystonia does not affect smooth muscles, such as the heart. However, dystonia can affect breathing in several ways. Severe neck dystonia can cause difficulty breathing when the upper airway is impacted.
What causes dystonia?
Dystonia may be inherited, acquired, or idiopathic (no known cause). Inherited disorders are transmitted genetically. In acquired forms, dystonia is caused by damage or degeneration of the brain (e.g. after a brain injury or stroke) or exposure to particular drugs.
How is dystonia diagnosed?
To diagnose dystonia, your doctor will start with a medical history and physical examination….Diagnosis
- Blood or urine tests. These tests can reveal signs of toxins or of other conditions.
- MRI or CT scan.
- Electromyography (EMG).
- Genetic testing.
What are some causes of involuntary muscle movement?
In adults, some of the most common causes of involuntary movements include:
- drug use.
- use of neuroleptic medications prescribed for psychiatric disorders over a long period.
- tumors.
- brain injury.
- stroke.
- degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
- seizure disorders.
- untreated syphilis.
What is an example of dystonia?
Task-specific dystonias include writer’s cramp — which affects the arm and wrist — musician’s cramp, typist’s cramp, and golfer’s cramp.
What is dystonia and its symptoms?
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which your muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive or twisting movements. The condition can affect one part of your body (focal dystonia), two or more adjacent parts (segmental dystonia) or all parts of your body (general dystonia).
What are the 3 types of muscles that everyone has?
The three main types of muscle include:
- Skeletal muscle – the specialised tissue that is attached to bones and allows movement.
- Smooth muscle – located in various internal structures including the digestive tract, uterus and blood vessels such as arteries.
- Cardiac muscle – the muscle specific to the heart.
How dystonia is diagnosed?
How is dystonia diagnosed? Your doctor will perform a detailed physical exam to identify symptoms of the disorder and take a medical history and family history in case the condition might have a genetic component. If the dystonia is suspected to be inherited, genetic testing may be used to confirm the diagnosis.