What is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive muscle contractions, which can lead to abnormal postures or movements in the body. Dystonia typically affects specific muscle groups or body regions, but sometimes it can spread widely throughout the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Dystonia?

Dystonia can manifest with various symptoms. The most common symptom is involuntary and repetitive muscle contractions, which can affect one area or multiple muscle groups. For example, facial dystonia may present with symptoms such as eyelid spasms or jaw opening. Other symptoms may include abnormal changes in body position, tremors, muscle stiffness, and loss of control over movements.

What Are the Causes of Dystonia?

The exact cause of dystonia is not fully understood. However, a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers may contribute to dystonia. In some cases, dystonia may be associated with chemical imbalances in the brain and nervous system. Additionally, certain medications, head injuries, infections, or other neurological conditions can lead to dystonia.

How Is Dystonia Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process involves evaluating the patient's symptoms and medical history. During a neurological examination, muscle contractions and movement disorders can be observed. In some cases, additional tests such as blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or electromyography (EMG) may be performed. These tests can help determine the underlying cause of dystonia.

How Is Dystonia Treated?

Treatment for dystonia may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of involvement, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include medications, neurotoxin injections, rehabilitation therapies, and in some cases, surgical intervention. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

What Are the Interventional Treatments for Dystonia?

Interventional treatments for dystonia may be considered for patients who do not respond to medication therapy or have inadequate symptom control. Interventional treatments may include nerve blocks, neurotoxin injections, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and selective denervation procedures.

How Is Neurotoxin Used in the Treatment of Dystonia?

Neurotoxin is a commonly used interventional treatment option in the treatment of dystonia. This toxin is injected into dystonic muscles to control muscle contractions. Neurotoxin works by blocking nerve endings from sending signals to muscles, thereby reducing involuntary contractions. These injections are typically administered to specific muscle groups and their effects may last for several months. Neurotoxin injections should be performed by a specialist.

How Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Used in the Treatment of Dystonia?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another interventional treatment method used in the treatment of dystonia. In this method, electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain through a surgical procedure. These electrodes are used to regulate the electrical activity of nerve cells in target areas of the brain. This allows for the control of muscle contractions and movement disorders caused by dystonia.

The procedure must be performed by a specialist doctor. You can contact our surgery in Izmir for information on the treatment of dystonia and interventional procedures.