

Researchers believe that dystonia results from an abnormality in or damage to the basal ganglia or other brain regions that control movement. Top What do researchers know about dystonia? For example, a musician may have dystonia when using a hand to play an instrument, but not when using the same hand to type.ĭystonia may cause pain due to muscle contractions but typically is not associated with problems thinking or understanding. In some cases, dystonia can affect only one specific action, while allowing others to occur unimpeded. The initial symptoms can be very mild and may be noticeable only after prolonged exertion, stress, or fatigue. Over time, the symptoms may become more noticeable or widespread sometimes, however, there is little or no progression. both eyes might blink rapidly and uncontrollably other times, spasms will cause the eyes to close.the neck may turn or pull involuntarily, especially when the person is tired or under stress.a worsening in handwriting after writing several lines.a foot cramp or a tendency for one foot to turn or drag-either sporadically or after running or walking some distance.Some forms of dystonia are genetic but the cause for most cases is not known.ĭystonia can affect many different parts of the body and the symptoms are different depending upon the form of dystonia. There are several different forms of dystonia that may affect only one muscle, groups of muscles, or muscles throughout the body. The movements may be painful, and some individuals with dystonia may have a tremor or other neurological symptoms. What are the different forms of dystonia?ĭystonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures.
