Version July 2025
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What is dystonia? —
This is a group of disorders that affect muscle movement. Dystonia is type of "involuntary contraction" or "spasm" of your muscles. This means your muscles squeeze or tense up when you are not trying to move them.
The spasms last for a long time. This can cause part of your body to twist and stay in an unusual position. For example, your foot might stay turned in, so it drags when you walk.
There are different types of dystonia that affect specific parts of the body, such as the neck, face, or arms. Dystonia can also affect several different parts of the body at the same time.
Some types of dystonia start in childhood, and others start in adulthood. Some types run in families. There are also types that happen with other diseases, such as Parkinson disease.
What are the symptoms of dystonia? —
Each type of dystonia causes different symptoms (table 1). But, in general, all types cause muscle spasms that last a long time. Some people also have "tremor," which is trembling or shaking a person cannot control.
The symptoms of dystonia affect only the body's movements. People with dystonia usually do not have problems thinking or understanding.
Is there a test for dystonia? —
No. But doctors can usually tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing a neurologic exam. In the exam, the doctor checks how your brain, nerves, and muscles are working. Sometimes, they use other tests to make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms.
How is dystonia treated? —
There are treatments that can help the symptoms. But there is no cure. Your treatment will depend on the type of dystonia you have.
Treatments can include:
●Medicines – There are many medicines that can help with the symptoms of dystonia. They come as pills. Your doctor or nurse will decide which medicine is best for you or your child.
●Botulinum toxin ("BoTox") – BoTox injections (shots) help muscles relax. They can be used in the parts of your body where the symptoms are the worst.
●Deep brain stimulation ("DBS") – DBS might be an option for people with severe symptoms who do not get better with medicines or BoTox. People who get DBS must first have surgery to place wires into a part of their brain that helps control muscle movement. The wires are attached to a device that gets implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone. It sends electrical signals to the brain to reduce muscle spasms.
What will my life be like? —
Most people with dystonia live fairly long lives. But they can have problems doing certain activities. If you or your child has dystonia, ask the doctor about what to expect.
Patient education: Laryngeal dystonia (The Basics)
Patient education: Tremor (The Basics)
Patient education: Botulinum toxin injections (The Basics)
