What Are The Types Of Dystonia?

Hemidystonia

Hemidystonia affects either the right or left side of the body. Patients with this condition generally have abnormal movements in the leg and arm of their affected side, and one side of the face could be affected occasionally. Symptoms associated with this form of dystonia include twisting of the affected arm or leg, and the foot, leg, or arm on the affected side could turn inward. Some individuals might also have muscle spasms of the mouth or face on their affected side. Hemidystonia is typically the result of an underlying medical condition such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, tumors, head injuries, or strokes. Treatment methods for this condition are similar to those for other types of dystonia. Patients may be offered botulinum toxin injections for symptoms isolated to small areas, and oral medications are the primary treatment option. Anticholinergic medications, including trihexyphenidyl, are often the first medications doctors prescribe. These medicines reduce tremors and muscle spasms. Patients might also need to take a muscle relaxant such as clonazepam or baclofen. For cases of idiopathic hemidystonia, doctors might consider surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation.

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Meige Syndrome

Meige syndrome is a form of dystonia in which a patient has both blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia. In addition to eyelid spasms, the patient will display involuntary, irregular contractions of the muscles that open the jaw and control the face. The muscle contractions associated with this syndrome are often quite forceful, and they could cause pain. Facial grimacing, chin thrusting, headaches, and jaw displacement might develop, and muscle spasms could affect the respiratory tract, throat, or tongue. If the respiratory tract spasms, breathing could be impaired. Currently, the cause of Meige syndrome is unknown, and experts believe it is related to abnormal functioning of the basal ganglia. Oral medications that relax muscles and reduce spasms are often prescribed to treat Meige syndrome, and patients might also be offered botulinum toxin injections. Deep brain stimulation is currently considered to be the most effective treatment option for this condition, and it has allowed some patients to experience sustained symptom improvement.

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