dystonia
Pronunciation: dis-TOH-nee-ah
A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal movements and postures.
Full Definition
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that result in abnormal, often repetitive movements or postures. These involuntary contractions can affect any part of the body and may be focal (affecting one body part), segmental (affecting adjacent body parts), or generalized (affecting multiple body regions). Dystonia can be primary (genetic or idiopathic) or secondary to other conditions such as brain injury, medication side effects, or neurodegenerative diseases. Common forms include cervical dystonia (torticollis), blepharospasm (eyelid spasms), and writer's cramp. Treatment options include botulinum toxin injections, oral medications, and in severe cases, deep brain stimulation.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anatomical location and type (focal, segmental, generalized) when documenting.
In Context
- "The patient developed focal dystonia affecting the left hand following repetitive writing tasks." — Movement disorder clinic note
- "Botulinum toxin injections provided significant relief from cervical dystonia symptoms." — Treatment outcome report