Can dystonia spread to other parts of the body?

Dystonia tends to worsen and spread to other areas (generalized dystonia). Some individuals initially exhibit dystonia affecting the arms and later develop cranial and cervical dystonia symptoms. Most often, this disorder has a juvenile onset.

What is secondary dystonia?

Secondary dystonia is dystonia that develops mainly as the result of environmental factors that provide insult to the brain. Spinal cord, head, and peripheral injury are also recognized contributors to dystonia.

Does dystonia show on MRI?

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear have developed a unique diagnostic tool that can detect dystonia from MRI scans—the first technology of its kind to provide an objective diagnosis of the disorder.

What can be mistaken for dystonia?

Primary dystonia is misdiagnosed mainly, but not exclusively, in favor of other movement disorders: Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor, myoclonus, tics, psychogenic movement disorder (PMD), and even headache or scoliosis.

Does dystonia show on EEG?

Electroencephalograms (EEGs): This test records some aspects of brain electrical activity. It can reveal other underlying problems, which may help identify the cause of Dystonia.

Does dystonia cause fatigue?

Dystonia affects how your body moves. The condition makes muscles involuntarily contract and can result in pain, fatigue, and exhaustion. It can affect your entire body or a certain part of your body. Experts aren’t certain what causes dystonia.

How do you know if you have dystonia?

Dystonia can cause pain, but not always. Early treatment can often slow or suppress symptom progression. Symptoms can include: Twisted postures, for example in the torso or limbs. Turning in of the foot or arm. Muscle spasms, with or without pain. Unusual walking with bending and twisting of the torso.

What are the different types of generalized dystonia?

There are several genetic subtypes of generalized dystonia. For example: Early Onset Generalized Dystonia (DYT1/TOR1): DYT1 dystonia typically begins around age 10 years with the twisting of a foot or arm. Symptoms tend to begin in one body part and progress to involve additional limbs and the torso, but usually not the face or neck.

What is a dystonic spasm?

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which your muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive or twisting movements. The condition can affect one part of your body (focal dystonia), two or more adjacent parts (segmental dystonia) or all parts of your body (general dystonia). The muscle spasms can range from mild to severe.

What is dystonia in psychology?

General Discussion. Dystonia is a general term for a large group of movement disorders that vary in their symptoms, causes, progression, and treatments. This group of neurological conditions is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements and positions (postures).