Evaluation and treatment of dystonia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dystonia is a neurologic disorder that interferes with normal motor control, causing development of bizarre postures and writhing, twisting movements.

METHODS:

The patient database of the Duke Movement Disorders Clinic was searched to identify and characterize all cases of dystonia evaluated during the 3 1/2 year period between July 1995 and December 1998.

RESULTS:

Of the 68 patients identified, 44% had focal dystonia, 10% segmental dystonia, 9% hemidystonia, 7% generalized dystonia, 4% multifocal dystonia, 12% psychogenic dystonia, and 9% tardive dystonia. The remainder had either paroxysmal or pseudodystonia. Twenty-five patients had improvement with botulinum toxin injections, 16 with anticholinergics, benzodiazepines and/or baclofen, and 2 with tetrabenazine.

CONCLUSION:

A variety of treatments can give symptomatic benefit in dystonia, but appropriate treatment requires proper diagnosis of the condition.

• Authors: B L Scott
• Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J) Vol. 93 Issue 8 Pg. 746-51 (Aug 2000) ISSN: 0038-4348 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10963502 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents

Topics

• Academic Medical Centers
• Adult
• Age of Onset
• Aged
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Disease Progression
• Dystonia (classification, diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Dystonic Disorders (classification, diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Neuromuscular Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• North Carolina