Diseases Studied
Dystonia is characterized by excessive pulling of muscles leading to twisting movements or abnormal postures. Individuals with dystonia can have virtually any part of their bodies affected. Dystonias can be grouped according to which part of the body is affected; most of them fall into the group of focal dystonias, where a single part of the body is affected. Some are segmental dystonias, where two or more regions next to each other in the body are affected, and some are multifocal dystonias, where two or more regions which are not next to each other are affected. A few can be generalized dystonias, in which many body regions are affected.
Focal Dystonia
Cervical Dystonia (Spasmodic Torticollis)
A rare, often painful, movement disorder resulting in characteristic, sustained, or tremor-like involuntary muscle contractions of the neck. These muscle contractions cause abnormal movements and postures of the head and neck, either turning to one side or tilting forward or backward. Onset occurs usually in middle-aged adults. Symptoms often temporarily worsen due to stress, excitement, or certain positions.
Learn More from the Dystonia Coalition Learn More from GARDBlepharospasm/Meige Syndrome (Craniofacial)
A rare disorder listed among adult-onset focal (localized) dystonias (involuntary muscle twitching) which affects the nerves that send signals to the muscles surrounding both eyes. Symptoms include intermittent (coming and going), involuntary spasms, or contractions, of the muscles around both eyes. This causes forced blinking, eye irritation, and involuntary closure of the eyes, causing "functional blindness." Bright lights, eye strain, emotional stress, environmental pollutants, and fatigue may trigger symptom onset.
Learn More from the Dystonia Coalition Learn More from GARDLaryngeal Dystonia (Spasmodic Dysphonia)
A movement disorder causing uncontrollable spasms, or contractions, of the muscles controlling the vocal cords, resulting in breathy speech or vocal strain.
Learn MoreLimb Dystonia
A movement disorder causing uncontrollable, sometimes painful, involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in repetitive shaking, turning, and twisting of the arms and/or legs. It may be focal (localized) to a specific muscle group and is associated with abnormal postures and functional impairments that may be task-specific, including writing or playing a musical instrument like the piano.
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Segmental Dystonia
A movement disorder causing uncontrollable, sometimes painful, involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in repetitive shaking, turning, and twisting of two or more adjacent body parts.
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Multifocal Dystonia
A movement disorder causing uncontrollable, sometimes painful, involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in repetitive shaking, turning, and twisting of two or more unrelated, or non-adjacent, body parts.
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Generalized Dystonia
A movement disorder affecting most or all of the body. Symptoms include uncontrollable, sometimes painful, involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in repetitive shaking, turning, and twisting of affected body parts.
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