Dystonia

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Synonyms

Cramping

Definition

Dystonia is a syndrome of sustained, patterned, simultaneous muscle contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles. It can affect the head, neck, trunk, or limbs.

Current Knowledge

At times, dystonia may be associated with a tremor. It may increase with stress, anxiety, or fatigue. At times, it may also be painful, particularly when it involves the neck. It can involve one part of the body (focal), a region of the body (segmental), or the whole body (generalized). Most cases of primary generalized dystonia are believed to be hereditary or primary dystonias. Several dystonias have genetic causes. Secondary dystonias may be seen as a side effect of medications such as antiemetics and with various diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Wilson’s disease, stroke, neoplasm, infections, and toxic exposures.

Cross-References

• Parkinson’s Disease