dystonia
Pronunciation: dis-TOE-nee-uh
Involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting movements or abnormal postures, often medication-related.
Full Definition
A neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that result in twisting, repetitive movements, or abnormal postures. In psychiatric medicine, dystonia most commonly occurs as an acute extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications, typically within hours to days of treatment initiation or dose increases. Acute dystonic reactions can affect the neck (torticollis), jaw (trismus), eyes (oculogyric crisis), or trunk. These reactions are considered medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment with anticholinergic medications such as benztropine or diphenhydramine.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from tardive dyskinesia, which develops after prolonged medication exposure.
In Context
- "The emergency department treated the patient's acute dystonia with intravenous benztropine." — Emergency consultation
- "Risk factors for dystonia include young age, male gender, and high-potency antipsychotic use." — Risk assessment documentation