Dystonia can be defined as involuntary contractions of the muscles and a repetitive movement disorder. It can affect any or all parts of the body. It is a neurological movement disorder. It may be more common in women and older people. The muscle spasms experienced by the person can be mild or very severe. While the person may experience pain during the contractions, it can also negatively affect their daily life. The treatment process is usually aimed at reducing and controlling symptoms and complaints.
It can affect any part of the body and can cause pain as it leads to involuntary muscle movements and contractions. While it is known as a neurological syndrome, it is usually found in adults. In some cases, it can also occur in children and young people. It can cause posture disorder and tremors in the vocal cords. In some cases, contractions of the facial muscles may also occur, leading to abnormal facial expressions and blinking. Depending on the cause of the disease, it can be examined in two separate classifications as primary and secondary dystonia.
What are the Symptoms of Dystonia?
Symptoms of dystonia may differ from person to person. Symptoms such as deterioration in handwriting, foot cramps, contractions in the neck and difficulty speaking can be seen.
While symptoms may vary depending on the type of disease, the severity of contractions may increase in situations such as stress, anxiety or fatigue. Symptoms may become more pronounced in later stages.
While it can occur in different parts of the body, these areas can be listed as follows:
Neck
It causes contractions in the head and neck. Symptoms such as involuntary movement of the head and tilting to the side can be seen. This condition can be seen at any age and can cause posture disorder.
Eyelids
Increased blinking or squinting and difficulty in keeping the eyes open. The contractions are usually in both eyes. There may be only an increase in the number of blinks, but there may also be excessive and excessive eye closures that can cause functional blindness.
Jaw and Tongue
It causes involuntary contractions of the jaw and tongue muscles. The jaw may lock during speaking or eating, or the mouth may open involuntarily. As the person struggles to close his or her mouth, the jaw may shift forward or sideways. Similarly, the tongue may shift sideways, upwards and downwards and may contract, and in some cases it may protrude from the mouth. Difficulty in speaking and drooling may occur.
Vocal cords
Distortions in the voice may occur. The voice may sound hoarse and hoarse. The patient may experience choking at the end of the sentence while speaking and may feel the need to breathe constantly.
Hands and Arms
Spasms may occur in the hand and forearm muscles while writing. Over time, distortions in the shape of writing can be seen.
What Causes Dystonia?
Although the causes of dystonia are not known for certain, it is thought to be a problem caused by nerve cells in different parts of the brain. In addition, movement disorders may also appear as a symptom of different diseases.
These diseases are as follows:
- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington's disease
- Wilson's disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Birth injuries
- Stroke
- Brain tumors or certain disorders resulting from cancer
- Oxygen deprivation or carbon monoxide poisoning
- Infections such as tuberculosis or encephalitis
- Reactions due to certain drugs or heavy metal poisoning
Complications of Dystonia
Depending on the types of this disease, which is among the movement disorders, a number of different complications may develop. The complications that may arise are as follows:
- Physical disabilities that affect performance in daily work or certain activities
- Adverse effects on the eyelids and difficulty seeing
- Impaired jaw movements, difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Pain and fatigue as a result of muscle contractions
- Depression, stress and withdrawal from social life
How is Dystonia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of dystonia is determined by a neurologist. The patient undergoes a physical examination and the complaints, symptoms and medical history are examined in detail.
Afterwards, some tests and examinations deemed necessary by the doctor are requested. The tests and examinations that may be requested to diagnose this condition, which is among the movement disorders, are as follows:
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood or urine tests can reveal symptoms of toxins or other conditions.
MRI and CT Scan
Imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography can detect problems in the brain such as tumors, lesions or signs of stroke.
Electromyography (EMG)
Tests to measure electrical activity in muscles.
Genetic Testing
Some forms of the disease are linked to specific genes. Determining whether these genes are present can be useful in treatment planning and progression.
How is dystonia treated?
Dystonia treatment can be done with methods such as medication, therapy or surgery deemed necessary by the specialist to manage the muscle contractions and spasms experienced by the person. Since there is no cure for the disease, efforts are made to reduce the symptoms experienced. The progress and explanations of these methods can be listed as follows:
Drug Therapy
Botulinum toxin injections into specific muscles can help to reduce or stop muscle spasms. Injections are usually repeated every 3 to 4 months. The side effects that may occur are usually mild and temporary. Dry mouth or a change in voice may occur. Different types of medication can also be used to target chemicals in the brain that affect muscle movement.
Therapies
A number of physiotherapy or therapy methods can be applied to alleviate symptoms and complaints and improve functioning. Massage or stretching may be used to relieve muscle pain.
Surgery
Surgical operations can help when the signs and symptoms are too severe. There are 2 types of surgery. The first is a method called deep brain stimulation. Electrodes are implanted in a certain area of the brain and connected to a generator implanted in the chest. It helps to control muscle contractions that may occur in the brain. The second method is selective denervation surgery. This involves cutting the nerves that control muscle spasms.