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Review
. 2015 Feb;33(1):77-100.
doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2014.09.002.

Diagnosis and treatment of dystonia

H A Jinnah  1 , Stewart A Factor  2
Affiliations
Review

Diagnosis and treatment of dystonia

H A Jinnah et al. Neurol Clin. 2015 Feb.

Abstract

The dystonias are a group of disorders characterized by excessive involuntary muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures and/or repetitive movements. A careful assessment of the clinical manifestations is helpful for identifying syndromic patterns that focus diagnostic testing on potential causes. If a cause is identified, specific etiology-based treatments may be available. In most cases, a specific cause cannot be identified, and treatments are based on symptoms. Treatment options include counseling, education, oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and several surgical procedures. A substantial reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life is achieved in most patients by combining these options.

Keywords: Blepharospasm; Botulinum toxin; Cervical dystonia; Deep brain stimulation; Focal hand dystonia; Meige syndrome; Oromandibular dystonia; Spasmodic dysphonia.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Methodical strategy for diagnosis of dystonia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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