Question 1

my neurologist took a look at my mri scan of my brain and told me there were no signs of dystonia but what could be causing all the muscle spasms? is it pseudo and if so what is the best method of treatment?

Accepted Answer

: Normal MRIs do not exclude all causes of dystonia, and often other testing needs to be done to uncover causation.  It is not feasible to be more precise in absence of many additional data points.  You could seek a second opinion from a neuromuscular specialist, at a medical school, or we may be able to help via a virtual consult here at HT (connect@healthtap.com).

Question 2

can dystonia come about overnight? are there any warning signs?

Accepted Answer

Dystonia overnight: Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder, in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. So be careful how you are coming with that diagnosis as it requires to be observed by a trained physician such as a neurologist, psychiatrist or neurosurgeon. So its important that you identifiy the actual muscle spasm because other things can miimic.

Question 3

what is dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Muscle contractions: Dystonia is a disorder where involuntary muscle contractions result in slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can effect individual muscles, groups of muscles or the muscles throughout the body.

Question 4

who gets dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Various factors: Genetics plays a role (e.g. Dyt-1 and many similar childhood onset dystonias, etc).  It may also come about from injury to certain parts of the brain (esp. The basal ganglia areas) from stroke, head injury, toxic exposure, certain diseases, and other causes, but for many (esp. Most adults who develop dystonia) there is no clear cause.

Question 5

is dystonia painful?

Accepted Answer

It can be.: Dystonias can be both painful and scary, especially when they first start and are unexpected.  They essentially are like a severe muscle cramp that goes on and on.

Question 6

what is ego-dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Inconsistent behavio: A condition in which a persons actions, thoughts and behavior are not consistent with patients personality.  In short, a lie.  Politicians live by this.

Question 7

symptoms of dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary movement: Dystonia symptoms will vary with type you have. Most frequently there is cramping, or tightening of muscles after heavy use or during stress. Handwriting may worsen after a line or so of writing, a foot may turn inward, head may turn as the neck muscles tighten.

Question 8

what causes dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Dystonia is a neurologic syndrome characterized by sustained involuntary muscular activity producing sustained, abnormal and repetitive muscle contractions causing twisting movements, abnormal posture and functional disability. There are many different types and causes with different prognoses. Some remit, some stay the same and others get worse.

Question 9

how is dystonia treated?

Accepted Answer

Symptom Management: Unfortunately, there are no medication to prevent or slow the progression of dystonia, so treatment is geared to easing symptoms.  Medications are often prescribed and the most common drugs work by preventing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from causing the muscle to contract.  Although used less often, medications exist that target other neurotransmitters such as GABA and Dopamine as well.

Question 10

what is "axial dystonia"?

Accepted Answer

Affects mid line mus: When dystnia affects midline muscles near spine then it is called axial dystonia.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Dystonia signs

A member asked:

My neurologist took a look at my mri scan of my brain and told me there were no signs of dystonia but what could be causing all the muscle spasms? is it pseudo and if so what is the best method of treatment?

A member asked:

Can dystonia come about overnight? are there any warning signs?

A member asked:

What is dystonia?

A member asked:

Who gets dystonia?

A member asked:

Is dystonia painful?

A member asked:

What is ego-dystonia?

A member asked:

Symptoms of dystonia?

A member asked:

What causes dystonia?

A member asked:

How is dystonia treated?

A member asked:

What is "axial dystonia"?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?