Dystonia Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
What causes dystonia? How do I know if I have dystonia? And what treatments are available? Find out here!
Dystonia is a neurological disorder that affects movement. It often occurs in people over 40 years old, and is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The cause of dystonia is unknown, but there are several possible factors involved.
What Is Dystonia?
Dystonia is an involuntary movement disorder that involves uncontrollable muscle spasms. These spasms usually occur in one part of the body at a time, such as the neck, face, arms, legs, trunk, or jaw. In some cases, dystonia can affect multiple parts of the body simultaneously.
What Are The Different Types Of Dystonia?
There are several different types of dystonia. Primary dystonia refers to dystonia that occurs without any other medical condition. Secondary dystonia is caused by another medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or essential tremor. Tertiary dystonia is associated with brain injury, head trauma, or drug use.
What Are The Common Treatments For Dystonia?
If you think you might have dystonia, talk to your doctor right away. He or she will perform an examination to determine whether you have primary or secondary dystonia. A neurologist will also evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options based on your diagnosis.
What Can You Do To Prevent Dystonia?
There are several things you can do to prevent dystonia. First, make sure you eat healthy foods. Foods high in iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, help keep your body strong. Second, exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve muscle tone and strength, which reduces the likelihood of developing dystonia. Third, avoid alcohol and caffeine. These substances can cause fatigue and irritability, both of which can worsen dystonia. Finally, take care of yourself emotionally. Stressful situations can trigger dystonia.
The Different Types Of Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary contractions and spasms of muscles. It affects people differently, with some having only mild symptoms while others suffer severe disability. In general, there are two main types of dystonia: primary and secondary. Primary dystonia occurs when the brain sends incorrect signals to the muscles causing them to contract involuntarily. Secondary dystonia results from another condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease.