Orphan SA :: Dystonia

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      This patient educational material on this website does not provide all available information about this condition and is not intended as a substitute for seeking professional medical care and advice. If you have any further questions or concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

      TARDIVE DYSTONIA AND OTHER DYSTONIAS

      What is Dystonia?
      Dystonia is characterised by sustained contractions that are usually twisting and repetitive and can lead to sustained postures or abnormal movements.

      What causes Dystonia?
      Researchers believe that the dystonias result from an abnormality in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia where the messages to initiate muscle contractions is affected.

      Most cases of Primary or Idiopathic Dystonia are believed to be hereditary and occur as the result of a faulty gene(s). In these patients, dystonia occurs as a solitary symptom and is not associated with an underlying disorder.

      In the case of Secondary Dystonia, patients may develop dystonia as a result of another underlying disease such as Wilson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, trauma to the brain, such as injury during a vehicular accident or lack of oxygen during birth, or as a side effect of a medication. In adults, the most common type of secondary dystonia is Tardive Dystonia, which occurs as a result of the use of certain neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs. Other drugs that block central dopamine receptors may also cause tardive dystonia. In most patients, symptoms occur some time after ongoing exposure to the drug.

      What are the signs and symptoms of Dystonia?
      The dystonic movements which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle; a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire body. One way of classifying the dystonias is according to the parts of the body that it affects:

      • Generalised dystonia affects most or all of the body
      • Focal dystonia is localised to a specific part of the body
      • Multifocal dystonia involves two or more unrelated body parts
      • Segmental dystonia affects the arm and leg on the same side of the body (this type of dystonia often results from a stroke).
      How is Dystonia diagnosed?
      The diagnosis of Dystonia is based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, observation and assessment of characteristic symptoms, and careful patient and family medical history examinations. There are no definitive diagnostic tests for Dystonia, thus diagnosis is based on elimination and exclusion criteria from other movement disorders.

      What is the prognosis?
      Although Dystonia is not a life-threatening condition, it may result in serious, debilitating impairments and disability, as well sustained painful spasms.

      What treatment options are there? Can Dystonia be treated?
      The complex origins of Dystonia may require the use of multiple drugs for effective treatment. Various medications are available to treat Dystonia and/or assist in relieving some of the symptoms of the condition; your doctor will be able to advise you on.

      Remember, your doctor is the best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your condition or your medication.

      Where can I find more information about this condition or support organisations?
      Additional information is available from the following website(s):

      http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

      The information is intended for use only by customers, patients and health care professionals within Australia. Countries outside Australia may have regulatory and legal requirements, and available medical treatments, which are different than those in Australia.
       
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