Dystonia

If you have dystonia, muscle contractions can cause twisting, repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Dystonia may affect just one part of your body, or it may be more generalized. And the severity of symptoms varies widely from person to person.
The basal ganglia - brain structures deep within your brain - are responsible for controlling muscle movement. Dystonia results when the basal ganglia fail to function normally, which causes abnormal signals to be sent to your muscles, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions.
Some cases of dystonia can be traced to a specific cause, while the cause of others is unknown. There are multiple potential causes, including:

Genetics: Some forms of dystonia are inherited, and a number of genetic mutations have been identified that may lead to dystonia.
Brain damage: Dystonia can sometimes develop after a brain injury, such as a stroke, head trauma, or oxygen deprivation.
Birth defects: Some children are born with dystonia, which is sometimes associated with cerebral palsy.
Certain medications: Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and some antidepressants, may cause dystonia as a side effect.
Occupation-related movements: Certain repetitive movements associated with an individual's occupation or hobbies may trigger dystonia.

The symptoms of dystonia vary depending on the type of dystonia and the part of the body affected. Some of the most common types of dystonia include:

Blepharospasm: This type of dystonia causes involuntary blinking and spasms of the muscles around the eyes.
Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis): This type of dystonia causes involuntary turning or tilting of the head.
Oromandibular dystonia: This type of dystonia affects the muscles of the mouth and jaw, causing involuntary movements of the jaw, tongue, and lips.
Writer's cramp: This type of dystonia affects the muscles of the hand and forearm, causing involuntary movements while writing.
Generalized dystonia: This type of dystonia affects multiple parts of the body, causing a variety of involuntary movements and postures.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dystonia. However, there are a variety of treatments that can help to manage symptoms, including:

Medications: Certain medications, such as muscle relaxants, anticholinergic medications, and botulinum toxin injections, can help to reduce muscle spasms associated with dystonia.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve coordination.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help to adapt work and home environments to make them more accessible for people with dystonia.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to improve symptoms of dystonia. Surgery may involve implanting a device that delivers electrical stimulation to the brain or cutting certain nerves to reduce muscle spasms.

If you think you may have dystonia, it's important to see a doctor for evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve your quality of life.