Dystonia is caused by overactivity in areas of the brain controlling movement. It causes involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. Symptoms vary but include difficulties with handwriting, walking, blinking, and speech. While there is no known cure, treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life through medications and Botox injections. Dystonia affects both men and women of all ages, though the elderly are more susceptible, and can cause lifelong impacts on physical functioning and daily living.

1. Involuntary Muscle SpasmsInvoluntary Muscle Spasms
By: Dana SalvoBy: Dana Salvo“You are not alone”
- DMRF

2.  Dystonia is caused by over activity inDystonia is caused by over activity in
the brain, particularly in the Basalthe brain, particularly in the Basal
Ganglia, Thalamus, and CerebralGanglia, Thalamus, and Cerebral
Cortex.Cortex.
 It is transmitted through unaffectedIt is transmitted through unaffected
female “carriers”.female “carriers”.
 Non-communicable.Non-communicable.
WHY ?

3.  Men, women and childrenMen, women and children
can get this disorder.can get this disorder.
WHO ?
 The elderly seem to beThe elderly seem to be
more affected by Dystonia.more affected by Dystonia.

4.  There is no incubation period.There is no incubation period.
 Depending on the type of Dystonia,Depending on the type of Dystonia,
symptoms vary. Symptoms include:symptoms vary. Symptoms include:
deterioration of handwriting, footdeterioration of handwriting, foot
cramps, neck cramps, uncontrollablecramps, neck cramps, uncontrollable
blinking of eyes, and voice or speechblinking of eyes, and voice or speech
difficulties.difficulties.
 It is diagnosed through physicianIt is diagnosed through physician
observation of patient history, familyobservation of patient history, family
history, lab studies, and analysis ofhistory, lab studies, and analysis of
cerebrospinal fluid.cerebrospinal fluid.
Symptoms and Diagnosis…

5.  Patients chronically suffer withPatients chronically suffer with
symptoms for the rest of their lives.symptoms for the rest of their lives.
 The body is affected with constantThe body is affected with constant
muscle spasms and uncontrollablemuscle spasms and uncontrollable
muscle movement.muscle movement.
 Depending upon the type of DystoniaDepending upon the type of Dystonia
diagnosed, the patient can suffer indiagnosed, the patient can suffer in
many specific areas of their body ormany specific areas of their body or
just one.just one.
Daily living…

6.  Since there is little known about theSince there is little known about the
cause of this disorder, nocause of this disorder, no
preventative measures can be taken.preventative measures can be taken.
 The course of this treatment includeThe course of this treatment include
various medications, as well as Botoxvarious medications, as well as Botox
injections to ease the spasms.injections to ease the spasms.
 This disorder is not consideredThis disorder is not considered
terminal, although problems ariseterminal, although problems arise
secondary and may cause life-secondary and may cause life-
threatening conditions.threatening conditions.
Treatment…

7.  Since there is little known about theSince there is little known about the
cause of this disorder, nocause of this disorder, no
preventative measures can be taken.preventative measures can be taken.
 The course of this treatment includeThe course of this treatment include
various medications, as well as Botoxvarious medications, as well as Botox
injections to ease the spasms.injections to ease the spasms.
 This disorder is not consideredThis disorder is not considered
terminal, although problems ariseterminal, although problems arise
secondary and may cause life-secondary and may cause life-
threatening conditions.threatening conditions.
Treatment…