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Review
. 2021 Apr;128(4):431-445.
doi: 10.1007/s00702-020-02275-y. Epub 2020 Nov 13.

Complex dystonias: an update on diagnosis and care

Affiliations
Review

Complex dystonias: an update on diagnosis and care

Rebecca Herzog et al. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Complex dystonias are defined as dystonias that are accompanied by neurologic or systemic manifestations beyond movement disorders. Many syndromes or diseases can present with complex dystonia, either as the cardinal sign or as part of a multi-systemic manifestation. Complex dystonia often gradually develops in the disease course, but can also be present from the outset. If available, the diagnostic workup, disease-specific treatment, and management of patients with complex dystonias require a multi-disciplinary approach. This article summarizes current knowledge on complex dystonias with a particular view of recent developments with respect to advances in diagnosis and management, including causative treatments.

Keywords: Complex dystonia; Diagnostic; Infantile cerebral palsy; Management; NBIA; Red flags.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposal for diagnostic workup in suspected complex dystonias
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Red flags for treatable diseases with complex dystonia; A = onset in adulthood; C = childhood-onset

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