It might well sound like a breakaway Russian Republic but it isn’t. Dystonia is a neurological condition that effects people in many ways. The most serious form of the condition effects the entire body causing violent involuntary movement.
On this page you will find links to sites which deal in detail with Dystonia. My hope is that you will find the information useful and helpful if you do happen to have Dystonia. If you don’t have the condition but know someone who has, then I hope you will find the links informative and helpful.
Definition of Dystonia:
Dystonia is a neurologic movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions, usually producing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures or positions. Almost all dystonic movements share a directional quality that is typically sustained, sometimes for an instant, as well as a consistency and predictability Dystonia movements are directional, forcing the involved body part or region into an abnormal position, which is consistently present.
Generalized Dystonia
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What is Dystonia?
Living with Dystonia
Living with an illness such as Dystonia can heighten feelings of stress and depression in some people. There may be days when you feel angry about having Dystonia and the limitations (physical) it can cause in your life. You may dislikke taking medications on a daily basis. You may feel guilty about having Dystonia. You may worry about Dystonia and the genetic factor. You may fear needles and electromyography machines. You may evehn feel rejected for being different. There may be days when you feel lost, lonely or sad.
Should this be the case, try to remember that just about everyone with any illness (asthma, diabetes, heart disease) might at times have similar feeling. But you can choose the way you handle dystonia on a daily basis. A "take charge" attitude is a major step in dealing effectively with Dystonia.
Review the following signs of stress and depression. If you are feeling any of these symptoms on a continuous basis, please do speak to your doctor. It is important to recognise that the following signs may also be a direct result of your Dystonia (for examplle, headaches can occur with cervical Dystonia) or the medication used to treat Dystonia.
Common Signs of Stress/Depression
- Trouble falling
or staying asleep
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in appetite
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Feelings of helplessness/hopelessness
- Crying
- Lack of social interests
-
Feelings of self-blame
.
What to do when signs intensify:
- Ask for help.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Talk about it with family and friends.
- Don’t avoid your feelings .
- Seek individual or group support.
- Get involved in social activities.
- Organise your time and activities.
- Maintain good nutritional habits.
-
Inform your
doctor and review your treatment strategy.
- learn more about Dystonia.
Specific Effects of Different Injection Sites
| Type of Dystonia Possible |
Possible Post-Injection
Temporary side-effects & Comments |
|
Blepharospasm
(Involuntary Eye Closure) |
|
|
Hemifacial Dystonia (Facial Spasms) |
|
|
Cervical Dystonia (Spasmodic Torticollis) |
|
|
Spasmodic Dysphonia (Spasms Affecting Vocal Cords) · |
|
|
Oromandibular Dystonia (Spasms affecting Face, Jaw, Tongue.) |
|
|
Occupational Dystonia (Writers Cramp) |
|
BOTULINUM TOXIN
The beneficial effects of Botulinum Toxin can provide significant improvement to the various forms of Dystonia — lasting approximately 12 weeks. Its side effects can last for a week or more, which may include mostly fatigue and bruising. More specific ones are commented on below. These possible side effects
typically resolve within a few weeks after injection. The presence of such side effects should be reported to your doctor for review, prior to subsequent treatments.
Specific Effects of Different Injection Sites
The purpose of Botulinum toxin treatments is to weaken muscles. The side effects are usually due to the muscle weakening or other properties of the toxin. Side effects that are temporary may be a clue to consider changing the treatment strategy in the future.
