Dystonia is a movement disorder in which the sustained muscle contractions cause twitching and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. These movements are involuntary and sometimes even painful and may affect a single muscle or a group of muscles in the arms, legs, or the entire body.

Doctors are not exactly sure as to what causes Dystonia, but a few factors may be involved, such as:

• Genetic changes

• Altered nerve cell communication

At times, Dystonia may be a symptom of another condition or disorder such as the following:

• Birth injury

• Stroke

• Traumatic brain injury

• Parkinson's disease

• Huntington's disease

• Brain tumor

• Oxygen deprivation

• Paraneoplastic Syndromes

• Heavy metal or carbon monoxide poisoning

• Infections such as tuberculosis or encephalitis

The symptoms associated with Dystonia include:

• Involuntary muscle contractions that cause distorted postures or repetitive movement

• Deterioration in handwriting after writing several lines

• The tendency of one foot to pull or drag may occur after running or walking 

• The neck may turn or pull involuntarily 

• Eyes may blind uncontrollably

• Tremor, voice or speech difficulties

The early symptoms of Dystonia are quite mild and are linked to a specific activity. People overlook and think that the problem is psychological. If you experience involuntary muscle contractions, please see your doctor!