What Are The Types Of Dystonia?

Myoclonus Dystonia

Myoclonus dystonia is a rare form of dystonia that causes fast, involuntary jerking movements. The condition usually affects the neck, torso, arms, and hands. Patients typically begin to display symptoms in childhood or adolescence, and the jerky movements tend to remain the same throughout life; they do not get progressively worse. Patients with this form of dystonia are at an increased risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mutations in a gene known as SGCE are believed to cause thirty to fifty percent of all cases of this form of dystonia. Anticonvulsants and anticholinergic medications are helpful for many patients with this condition, and botulinum toxin injections are particularly effective for reducing neck spasms. Deep brain stimulation may be recommended for severe symptoms. Myoclonus dystonia patients often benefit from professional psychological support from a mental health specialist, and some patients also choose to take antidepressants. In cases where a patient's myoclonus dystonia has been linked to a genetic issue, it is advisable to speak with a genetic counselor too.

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Tardive Dystonia

Tardive dystonia is a potential side effect of dopamine receptor blockers. These medicines are used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, nausea, and dizziness. Tardive dystonia generally develops after an individual has taken dopamine receptor blockers for months or years. Patients with this side effect may experience involuntary neck movements, and the and contortion of the limbs and trunk could occur. Patients might also experience changes in their voice, and involuntary eye closure and other symptoms of blepharospasm could be present. They might move the face or mouth involuntarily as well.

If the drug that causes the patient's tardive dystonia has only been taken for a short period, a complete remission of symptoms could occur, and this happens in an estimated one out of every ten cases. In the majority of cases, tardive dystonia is permanent, particularly if the patient has been taking the medication that causes it over a prolonged period. To treat tardive dystonia, doctors will help the patient to stop taking the medication in question if possible. This will be done gradually in a controlled manner, and medical supervision will be provided throughout the process. If appropriate, the patient will be switched to a newer type of dopamine receptor blockers such as olanzapine. Muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin injections, and other medicines frequently prescribed for other types of dystonia might also be helpful for patients with this form of the condition. Deep brain stimulation can be considered if other treatments have not been effective.