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Dystonia |
Details
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Dystonia is a condition, in which repetitive, slow, sustained contraction of the uscle can result in “freezing” in the middle of activities, as well as torsion, turning, or twisting movements of the parts of the body, entire body, or thrunk. Cerebral cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia (overactivities in several parts of the brain) seem to result in dystonia. Most chronic dystonias have a genetic origin. When dystonia is not genetic in origin, it may be resulted from severe deficiency of oxygen to the brain at birth or later. Dystonias may also be resulted from hereditary conditions (Wilson disease, stroke, and specific metal poison). Sometimes, dystonia may be caused by antipsychotic medications. In such cases, capsules or injection of Diphenhydramine usually relieves the disorder episode. Writer’s cramps can be a type of dystonia. The symptom can consist of a true involuntary hand cramping while writing, but it can be the inability to hold a pen, or more subtle hand-writing deterioration, rather than cramps. In some cases, writer cramps are the only dystonias symptom, but about 50% of individuals with distonia develop tremor of both or one arms, and in some progress generalized dystonias, which affect the entire body. Some types of this condition are progressive – the movement can become more bizarre over time. Severe muscle contraction may force the arms and neck into odd, uncomfortable position. Golfers with yips (muscle spasms) can also have dystonia. Musciains with bizarre spasms of the arms and hands that prevent them from performing can have dystonia. Types of distonia include: 1. Idiopathic torision dystonia (of unknown cause); 2. Blepharospasm dystonia, in which eyelids are involuntarily and repeatedly forced to shut, and 3. Torticollis dystonia that involves the neck muscles. The treatment for this condition is limited. Medication such as Trihexyphenidyl, is helpful in some cases, but also results in side effects including dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, tremor, urination difficulties, blurred vision, and constipation. Botulin injection (a bacterial toxin that paralyzes the muscle) into the overactive muscle is a more successful cure option for dystonias.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > D
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| Related Searches |
cervical dystonia, focal dystonia |
| Date Submitted |
13-Nov-2005
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