A 21-year-old member asked:
how is dystonia treated?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sean Baskin answered
Emergency Medicine 9 years experience
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.
6052 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. William Goldie answered
Pediatric Neurology 48 years experience
Just modification: There are many forms of dystonia. Some cases are transient and resolve on their own. Some cases are progressive and get much worse over time. Some are modified with treatment. Some seem to disappear following procedures such as deep brain stimulation, but can recur. Muscle relaxant medications can help and food therapy techniques have been useful. Avoiding triggers is important.
5570 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
Is dystonia fatal?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Glen Elliott answered
Child Psychiatry 43 years experience
Never: Dystonias can be painful and disfiguring, but they are never fatal. Some disorders that produce dystonias such as huntington's chorea may be fatal, but they are quite rare. Most dystonias are self-limiting.
6052 viewsReviewed Mar 14, 2019
A 21-year-old member asked:
What is dystonia?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sean Baskin answered
Emergency Medicine 9 years experience
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.
6052 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Does dystonia get worse over time?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Miller answered
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Depends: 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.
6048 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
How can I tell if someone I know may have a form of dystonia?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Horacio Capote answered
Specializes in Psychiatry
Visit a Neurologist: This is best evaluated by a neurologist as there are different types of dystonia.
6056 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Who gets dystonia?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Anthony Mosley answered
Neurology 24 years experience
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.
6280 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Feb 18, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.