Your muscles usually move only when you want them to. But when you have dystonia, your muscles can contract on their own. This neurological condition can make it hard to do everyday tasks, but help is available at Emory Healthcare.
Dystonia
Expert Care for Dystonia
Why Choose Emory Healthcare
Neurologists with the Movement Disorders Program have the expertise to diagnose and treat all types of dystonia. We offer the latest diagnostic tools and the most up-to-date treatments.
Our doctors are familiar with related neurological conditions, which helps us rule out other disorders. When you need dystonia care to help you manage your disease, you can rely on our team at Emory Healthcare.
Types of Dystonia
There are different types of dystonia. We classify them by the age when they begin, the areas of the body affected and the cause.
Secondary dystonia occurs when a brain injury, Parkinson’s disease or drug side effect causes movement problems. When movement issues occur on their own, it’s known as primary dystonia.
Understanding Primary Dystonia
Primary dystonia may be early onset or adult-onset disease.
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Early onset dystonia
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Adult-onset dystonia
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Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)
Watch the following segment from “Your Fantastic Mind.” It focuses on dystonia and features political correspondent Jamie Dupree:
Signs and Symptoms of Dystonia
Signs of dystonia depend on the type of disease you have. They may include:
- Cramping in your foot or foot-dragging (foot drop)
- Cramping of your arms or hands
- Facial spasms
- Pulling of your neck to the side
- Tremors of your arms, head or legs
- Twitching or spasms around your eyes
Diagnosing Dystonia
To diagnose dystonia, doctors will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also conduct a physical exam and may ask you to make certain movements while they watch you.
Your doctor may want to do additional tests, including:
- A neurological exam
- Blood or urine tests to check for causes related to toxins, infections or metabolic issues
- Blood tests to look for genetic causes
- Imaging studies, such as MRI, to rule out other reasons for your symptoms
Dystonia Treatments
We offer innovative, medical and surgical treatment options for dystonia.
Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery
Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-3444 to schedule an appointment.