User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which involuntary muscle contractions result in slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Pain or a tremor may also occur. In some, symptoms only occur with exercise, stress, or tiredness. Complications may include depression or anxiety.

It may be inherited from a persons parents, or caused by birth injury, stroke, infection, lead poisoning, CO poisoning, and as a side effect of certain medications such as antidopaminergic agents. The underlying mechanism involves certain areas of the brain, often the basal ganglia. It may be categorized as generalized, focal, multifocal, segmental, or hemidystonia; or by the part of the body affected such as cervical, blepharospasm, writer's cramp, and musician's dystonia. Diagnosis may involve genetic testing, MRI, and blood tests.

When it occurs as a result of medication, stopping the medication may result in resolution. Otherwise treatment may include medication such as anticholinergics, benzodiazepines or dopaminergic agents; botulinum toxin injections; physical therapy; or surgery, such as deep brain stimulation.

Dystonia affects up to 250,000 people in the United States. It is less common than the movement disorders essential tremor and Parkinson. All ages may be affected. The term was coined in 1911.