Different Types of Dystonia: Many Body Parts can be Affected by Dystonia

Dystonia at any level can be a debilitating disease. With all the different types of Dystonia, one must know the symptoms of each type to ensure proper treatment. There are several forms of Dystonia. The symptoms of Dystonia can start as very mild symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnoses. Children between ages 6 to 12 can be at a higher risk of Dystonia. Dystonia is a movement disorder caused by an over active part of the brain, where many signals are being sent simultaneously. The movement disorder can cause freezing of the muscles in the middle of a movement. The over active area of the brain mainly occurs in the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus and the Cerebral Vertex. The Basal Ganglia are the cells that are involved in the voluntary movement of the body. These cells are located in the Cerebral Hemispheres of the brain. When these cells fail to communicate, this is when the Dystonia occurs. There are other causes of Dystonia such as birthing injuries, trauma, tumors and stroke. To get a correct diagnosis Dystonia, the symptoms of Dystonia must be known and shared with a Dr. Some of the different types of Dystonia are as follows:

Cervical Dystonia

This type of Dystonia is also known as 'Torticollis'. The most common symptom of Cervical Dystonia is twisting in head and neck area. In addition, the victim can feel his or her head and neck being pulled forward or backward and from side to side. This symptom is usually a sign of late-onset of Dystonia. The reasons of Cervical Dystonia are still unknown.

Blepharospasm

With this type of Dystonia, muscles around the eyes are affected. The symptoms of Blepharospasm Dystonia include irritation of the eye, light sensitivity, uncontrollable blinking and closing of eyes. These symptoms can vary by the time of day. These are symptoms also associated with late-onset of Dystonia.

Dopa-responsive Dystonia

The symptoms of Dopa-responsive Dystonia occur more so between the ages 6 to 16 years. An abnormal or stiff walking is the most common symptom of Dopa-responsive Dystonia. In some people, stiffness and spasms can occur in arms and torso also.

Myoclonus Dystonia

In this type of Dystonia, the upper part of the body is affected. It is a rare kind of Dystonia. The symptoms of Myoclonus Dystonia include a sudden jerk like feeling in arms, neck and the torso. These symptoms are more of a segmental type of late-onset Dystonia.

Oromandibular Dystonia

This is also a type of late-onset Dystonia. Oromandibular Dystonia commonly affects the mouth and jaw muscles. The symptoms of Oromandibular Dystonia include pulling of the mouth upwards or outwards. The symptoms of Oromandibular Dystonia can be observed while using the mouth and when the mouth is still.

Writer's Cramp

This type of Dystonia can be noticed more in the people who do lot of writing. The symptoms of Writer's Cramp Dystonia include involuntary movement and cramps in arm muscles and wrists.

Even though Dystonia may be a debilitating disease, there is help available with early diagnoses. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact you Dr. immediately for help.

NHS/http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dystonia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
health-cares/ http://neurology.health-cares.net/dystonia-symptoms.php