INTRODUCTION TO DYSTONIAS:-

The dystonias are movement disorders in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle or a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire body.

CAUSES OF DYSTONIAS:-

The factors which leads to the development of dystonias are:-
1. Birth injury.
2. Reactions to certain drugs.
3. Heavy-metal poisoning.
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Trauma.
6. Stroke.
7. Lack of oxygen.

SYMPTOMS OF DYSTONIAS:-

1. Muscle weakness after exertion
2. Handwriting deterioration
3. Foot cramps
4. Foot dragging
5. Tremor
6. Voice difficulties
7. Speech difficulties
8. Sustained muscle contractions
9. Involuntary muscle contractions
10. Painful muscle contractions
11. Single muscle affected
12. Multiple muscles affected

DIAGNOSIS OF DYSTONIAS:-

1. MRI.
2. CT scan.
3. Blood test.


TREATMENT OF DYSTONIAS:-

No treatment has been found effective yet. Physicians use a variety of therapies which are focused on reducing or eliminating muscle spasms and pain.
Several classes of drugs that may help correct imbalances in neurotransmitters have been found useful. But response to drugs varies among patients and even in the same person over time. The most effective therapy is often individualized, with physicians prescribing several types of drugs at different doses to treat symptoms and produce the fewest side effects. The first drug administered belongs to a group that reduces the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Drugs in this group include trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, and procyclidine HCl.