Dystonia, which is sometimes confused with the symptom of differentdiseases, is a neurological disease that progresses with muscle contractions indifferent parts of the body. These involuntary contractions in the body cansometimes prevent patients from writing and sometimes even turning their heads.

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Dystonias, which progress with muscle contractions in different partsof the body as a result of the inability of the movement control centers in thebrain to work properly, are primary or secondary (Secondary) according to themechanism of their occurrence; or take different names according to the partsof the body where they are located. The common forms in the body are called'Generalized Dystonia'. In most cases, the cause is unknown. Studies have shownthat in primary dystonias, symptoms often occur with the mutation of somegenes. At the same time, secondary dystonias can be seen after cerebral vesselocclusions, birth order traumas, accidents, traffic accidents and similartraumas, and the effects of anti-psychotic and antidepressant drugs.

What are the symptoms of Dystonia?

The disease may manifest on the face, neck, vocal cords, arms and legsor widespread. Initially, it may manifest itself as impaired handwriting,cramps in the hands or feet, twitching of the neck to one side or back,contraction and closure of the eyelids. Speech disorders or blinking may beadded to these findings. The findings may remain the same for a long time ormay progress rapidly. Muscle contractions seen in dystonia patients are seen indifferent severity from patient to patient. While some patients can live theirlives independently, some patients may require assistance.

At What Age Is Dystonia Most Common?

Dystonia can occur at any age. In some people, the disease can oftenstart in the hands and feet, with an average of 5 to 16 years in childhood.Dystonias that start under the age of 21 tend to spread to other parts of thebody. It can occur in some adults in late adolescence or early adulthood. Inthese cases, contractions usually start from the upper parts of the body.Dystonic contractions often worsen when patients try to move. Stress, sadness,fatigue are other factors that increase dystonic contractions.

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