What is dystonia?

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscles to contract uncontrollably, causing the affected muscles part to twist involuntarily, resulting in repetitive movements and abnormal postures. One muscle, a group of muscles, or the entire body can be affected.

Types:

• Primary dystonia

• Idiopathic dystonia that does not have a clear cause

• Genetic dystonias that appear to be inherited. Symptoms vary widely between members of the same family, and some carriers of the altered gene may not develop dystonia

Secondary dystonia results from environmental or other damage to the brain, from exposure to certain medications, or as a symptom of other diseases.