With a considerable majority of 250,000 people in the US dealing with dystonia, it’s a medical matter of utmost urgency. These statistics show why dystonia is also the third most common movement disorder that causes tremors and Parkinson’s Disease.
People with this condition continue often experience involuntary twisting, uncontrollable tremors, abnormal positions and repetitive movements. These movements are triggered by muscle contractions and spasms.
Here are some frequently asked questions about this disorder.
How many forms of dystonia are there?
While it’s a movement disorder in itself, it’s also a primary symptom in a range of other neurological conditions. Symptoms can be concentrated in particular parts of the body like the neck or the feet or be spread out over the entire area and affect various muscle groups.
Who can diagnose dystonia?
Only a movement disorder specialist is capable of diagnosing this condition. Since neurologists with special training in movement disorders have spent years studying it, they can conduct a clinical diagnosis. They’ll require a physical exam and medical history of the patient. They may also prescribe blood and urine tests as well as brain scans to rule out all other possibilities. Since there are several genes that can cause dystonia, the diagnosis for this condition is extensive.
Is dystonia life-threatening?
Dystonia has nothing to do with life expectancy. However, it can affect the quality of life you’re able to live. In the case of generalized dystonia, the symptoms may affect many areas of the body and cause secondary problems. This will require emergency medical care, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
It’s rare for dystonia to affect cardiac health or respiratory functions, but only if it does, can the condition become life-threatening. Dystonia is most commonly a primary symptom in other degenerative diseases.
Is it common to experience tremors in dystonia?
Even though tremors are not a primary occurrence in the case of dystonia, it’s often believed that they are. This condition is primarily characteristic of abnormal twisting of limbs, sustained involuntary movements or unusual postures. The existence of tremors without other dystonic symptoms is not indicative of this condition. Although, tremors can be viewed as a secondary symptom, in some cases.
Is dystonia curable?
Even though there is not cure found yet for this disorder, there are ways to manage the severity of its symptoms. This can make it easier to deal with dystonic symptoms on a daily basis and improve quality of life.
At Movement Help, we offer treatments for individuals experiencing symptoms characteristic of dystonia. We urge you to consult specialists at our clinic before it aggravates into a worse condition. Our clinic is a reliable facility headed by Dr. Farzin Pedouim, a board-certified neurologist with a specialization in movement disorders.
We’re based in LA and are available through call at (949) 239-4410 or email at info@movementhelp.com.
