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Case Reports
. 2011 Sep;26(11):2107-9.
doi: 10.1002/mds.23827. Epub 2011 Jun 28.

Extreme task specificity in writer's cramp

Ejaz A Shamim  1 , Jason Chu, Linda H Scheider, Joseph Savitt, H A Jinnah, Mark Hallett
Affiliations
Case Reports

Extreme task specificity in writer's cramp

Ejaz A Shamim et al. Mov Disord. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Focal hand dystonia may be task specific, as is the case with writer's cramp. In early stages, task specificity can be so specific that it may be mistaken for a psychogenic movement disorder.

Methods: We describe 4 patients who showed extreme task specificity in writer's cramp. They initially only had problems writing either a single letter or number. Although they were largely thought to be psychogenic, they progressed to typical writer's cramp.

Conclusions: Early recognition of this condition may provide an opportunity for early initiation of treatment.

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