Introduction

Dystonia is a series of neurological disorders characterised by alteration of muscle tone and movement.

Signs and symptoms

The main symptom is involuntary contraction of one part of the body causing repetitive or twisting movements that are occasionally painful.

Diagnosis

The main diagnosis is clinical but it is a disorder that should be assessed by an expert neurologist in movement disorders to indicate the diagnostic tests required in each case.

Treatment

There is no cure but treatment will depend on the type of dystonia and the impact on quality of life it causes. Many treatments are used pharmacological, rehabilitation, injections to prevent contraction of the area (Botox) and when, in spite of these therapies there is no good control of the disorder, surgery.