Dystonias

Updated: Sep 13, 2022
  • Author: Elizabeth A Moberg-Wolff, MD; Chief Editor: Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA  more...
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Practice Essentials

Dystonia (from Greek, meaning altered muscle tone) refers to a syndrome of involuntary sustained or spasmodic muscle contractions involving co-contraction of the agonist and the antagonist. The movements are usually slow and sustained, and they often occur in a repetitive and patterned manner; however, they can be unpredictable and fluctuate.

The frequent abnormal posturing and twisting can be painful, and the functional impact of dystonia can vary from barely noticeable to severely disabling. Consequently, dystonias can have a profound effect on the personal, vocational, and emotional life of a patient and can impact his/her ability to live independently.

The options to medically manage dystonic movements have traditionally been 4-fold; they consist of the following:

  • Rehabilitative therapies

  • Oral medications

  • Neurochemolytic interventions

  • Surgery

Psychological counseling and participation in support groups are vital adjuncts to medical and physical approaches in the multidisciplinary management of dystonia. A study by Paracka et al indicated that patients with dystonia have an impaired body concept, particularly with regard to general health, body care, physical efficacy, sexuality, and physical appearance. While there was no correlation found between impaired body concept and severity  of dystonia, such an association did exist with regard to self-rated depression and dystonic severity. [1]

Surgical options for intractable dystonias include altering the location or length of problematic muscles, but this is rarely successful. Other techniques include transection of the spinal accessory nerve for cervical dystonia, stereotactic thalamotomy or pallidotomy for generalized dystonia, and deep brain stimulation (DBS). [2, 3, 4]

Thorough neurologic, physiatric, neuropsychologic, and physical therapy evaluations are important prior to consideration for surgery. Because of the risk of significant comorbidity, surgical approaches are reserved for patients with disabling dystonia in whom other treatment modalities have been exhausted.

Signs and symptoms of dystonia

Cervical dystonia (torticollis)

Intermittent spasms of the neck muscles or abnormal head movements occur because of contractions of the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and posterior cervical muscles. This effect results in a patterned, repetitive, and spasmodic movement that causes the head to twist (rotational torticollis), extend (retrocollis), flex (anterocollis), or tilt toward the shoulder (laterocollis). The patient may display more than one of these head movements simultaneously.

Upper limb dystonia

Upper limb dystonia causes cramping and posturing of the elbows, hands, and fingers that lead to the inability to perform certain occupational tasks.

Lower limb dystonia

This may occur in stroke or dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome and lead to painful positioning of the leg, impaired gait, and altered bone development.

Dystonia musculorum deformans (torsion dystonia)

The shoulder, trunk, and pelvic muscles undergo spasmodic twisting, as do the limbs. The hands are seldom involved. The orofacial muscles also may be affected, leading to dysarthria and dysphagia.

Tardive dyskinesia (tardive dystonia)

The clinical features of tardive dyskinesia include abnormal choreoathetoid movements, especially involving, in adults, the face and mouth (ie, blepharospasm, torticollis, oromandibular dystonia), and in children, the limbs. [5, 6]

Workup in dyskinesia

The following can be used in the assessment of dyskinesia:

  • Laboratory studies - Blood chemistries, liver functions, ceruloplasmin levels, and blood copper levels may be appropriate in the evaluation of dystonia [7]
  • Imaging studies - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanning of the brain are especially important in the pediatric population and may identify hypoxic, hemorrhagic, or tumorous lesions
  • Genetic screening - Genetic screening for DYT gene abnormalities and genetic counseling are important for patients who have had an onset of primary dystonia before age 30 years or for persons who have an affected relative [3]
  • Other - Slit-lamp eye examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings and 24-hour urine copper analysis may be useful [7]

Management of dyskinesia

Rehabilitative therapy

Physical therapy techniques (eg, massage), slow stretching, and physical modalities (eg, ultrasonography, biofeedback) are sometimes helpful in persons with focal or regional dystonias. Patients with generalized dystonia often benefit from gait and mobility training, as well as from instruction in the use of assistive devices.

Various physiatric therapies and modalities have been used with limited success in the symptomatic treatment of dystonias. These include relaxation training, sensory stimulation, biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and percutaneous dorsal column stimulation. [8]

Pharmacologic therapy

Systemic medications benefit about one third of patients and consist of a wide variety of options, including the following [3] :

  • Cholinergics
  • Benzodiazepams
  • Antiparkinsonism drugs
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Baclofen
  • Carbamazepine
  • Lithium

Neurochemolysis of dystonic muscles is another important therapeutic option. Botulinum toxins or phenol/alcohol injections have become powerful tools in improving the symptomatic treatment of focal dystonias. [3, 9, 10, 11]

Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses surgically implanted wires placed either unilaterally or bilaterally into target areas such as the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, or globus pallidus. [12, 13] An implanted neurostimulator then delivers electrical stimulation through these wires to the brain.

Patient education

For patient education information, see Torticollis.

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Classification

Regardless of the cause, dystonic contractions can have a chronic course and can lead to severe persistent pain and disability. Because each type of dystonia is treated in a different manner, the distinction between the various types is therapeutically important. [14]

Dystonias can be classified according to the following characteristics:

  • Age of onset

  • Etiology

  • Anatomic distribution

Classification by age of onset

With regard to patient age, dystonias can be classified as follows:

  • Infantile dystonia - Begins before age 2 years

  • Childhood dystonia - Begins at age 2-12 years

  • Juvenile dystonia - Begins at age 13-20 years

  • Adult dystonia - Begins after age 20 years

Etiologic classification

Primary (idiopathic) dystonia

Primary, or idiopathic, dystonias can present in a sporadic, autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked recessive manner. Heritable childhood-onset dystonia is particularly common among Ashkenazi Jewish people.

Currently, at least 12 types of dystonia can be distinguished on a genetic basis (see Table 1, below). Identification of more dystonia genes may lead to better understanding and treatment of these largely nondegenerative disorders.

Table 1. Classification of Primary Dystonia (Open Table in a new window)

Type

Affected Chromosome Arm

Clinical Features

Mode of Inheritance

DYT1

9q34

Early onset, generalized; starts in a limb

Autosomal dominant

DYT2

Not known

Early onset, generalized or segmental

Autosomal recessive

DYT3

Xq13.1

Approximately 50% of patients with parkinsonism

X-linked recessive

DYT4

Not known

Whispering dysphonia

Autosomal dominant

DYT5a

14q22.1-22.2

Onset in the first decade of life; starts distally in the leg and spreads to the proximal limb; diurnal fluctuation; dopa-responsive mutations in the guanosine triphosphate (GTP) cyclohydrolase I and tyrosine hydroxylase genes

Autosomal dominant

DYT5b

11p15.5

Dopa-responsive dystonia

Autosomal recessive

DYT6

8p21-22

Onset in adolescence; segmental

Autosomal dominant

DYT7

18p

Adult onset, focal (writer's cramp, torticollis, dysphonia, blepharospasm)

Autosomal dominant

DYT8

DYT82q33-25

Paroxysmal dystonia-choreoathetosis triggered by stress, fatigue, alcohol

Autosomal dominant

DYT9

1p21-13.8

Paroxysmal dystonia; paresthesias, diplopia; spastic paraplegia between attacks

Autosomal dominant

DYT10

Not known

Paroxysmal dystonia-choreoathetosis precipitated by sudden movements

Autosomal dominant

DYT11

11q23

Myoclonus and dystonia

Autosomal dominant

DYT12

19q

Rapid-onset dystonia and parkinsonism

Not known

Secondary dystonia

This may result from a wide variety of neurologic diseases or inherited metabolic defects, including the following:

  • Huntington disease

  • Hallervorden-Spatz disease

  • Wilson disease (hepatolenticular degeneration)

  • Leigh disease

  • Lipid storage disease

  • Parkinsonism

  • Central nervous system infections

  • Cerebral or cerebellar tumors

  • Drug intoxication - Dopamine antagonists, neuroleptics, metoclopramide, and haloperidol, among others

  • Structural or hypoxic injury to the basal ganglia brainstem structures

Anatomic classification

On the basis of its clinical distribution, dystonia is classified as follows:

  • Focal dystonia - Involves a single body part

  • Segmental dystonia - Affects 2 or more contiguous regions of the body; examples of segmental dystonias of the head and neck include craniocervical dystonia, blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, and laryngeal dystonia

  • Multifocal dystonia - Consists of abnormalities in noncontiguous body parts

  • Generalized dystonia - Involves segmental crural dystonia and at least 1 other body part; dystonia musculorum deformans (or torsion dystonia), a generalized form of the disease, involves the trunk and limbs. [15]

  • Hemidystonia - Also called unilateral dystonia; usually associated with abnormalities in the contralateral basal ganglia [2]

Cervical dystonia, or torticollis, is the most common focal dystonia. Local limb dystonias often begin as action or task-specific dystonias, such as writer's cramp dystonia or musician's dystonia (repetitive wrist or finger movements). [16, 17] In 20-30% of patients, focal dystonias become segmental or multifocal.

A study by Berman et al found that in patients with adult isolated focal dystonia, the risk and location of spread is influenced by the initially affected body region. The investigators reported that in patients with blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, hand dystonia, or laryngeal dystonia, spread occurred in 50%, 8%, 17%, and 16% of cases, respectively. In blepharospasm, dystonia most commonly spread first to the oromandibular region (42.2%) and neck (22.4%), while in cervical dystonia, the condition first spread most often to the hand (3.5%), and for hand and laryngeal dystonia, most commonly first to the neck (12.8% and 15.8%, respectively). The risk of spread was greater in patients with a family history of dystonia and self-reported alcohol responsiveness. [18]

Pseudodystonia

Pseudodystonia encompasses a group of movement disorders that may express dystonialike movements as one of the clinical features of a syndrome. Sandifer syndrome, stiff-man syndrome, and Isaacs syndrome may fall into this category.

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Common Types of Dystonias

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia, or torticollis, is the most common focal dystonia. It has an insidious onset in people aged 30-50 years, although it can begin earlier. Cervical dystonia commonly affects women.

Intermittent spasms of the neck muscles or abnormal head movements occur because of contractions of the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and posterior cervical muscles. This effect results in a patterned, repetitive, and spasmodic movement that causes the head to twist (rotational torticollis), extend (retrocollis), flex (anterocollis), or tilt toward the shoulder (laterocollis). The patient may display more than 1 of these head movements simultaneously.

Patients may report psychiatric symptoms associated with depression or anxiety. These may be due to the chronic course of the illness rather than to real psychopathology.

Upper limb dystonia

Upper limb dystonia causes cramping and posturing of the elbows, hands, and fingers that lead to the inability to perform certain occupational tasks. The literature describes at least 55 occupations in which individuals are affected by this condition. Men and women are affected with equal frequency. Onset is in persons aged 10-50 years.

A common upper limb dystonia is known as writer's cramp, occupational cramp, or graphospasm. This task-specific dystonia, manifesting as hyperextension or hyperflexion of the wrist and fingers, may be triggered by repetitive activities such as writing and attempting to play the piano or other musical instruments. [16, 17, 19] After cessation of the task, the spasm disappears. Although torticollis, tremor, and pain are accompanying symptoms, the spasm itself usually limits further activities.

The results of general physical and neuromusculoskeletal examinations are usually unremarkable. Some clinicians inadvertently label these conditions as occupational neuroses.

Lower limb dystonia

This may occur in stroke or dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome and lead to painful positioning of the leg, impaired gait, and altered bone development.

A study by Martino et al indicated that lower limb dystonia is an uncommon condition in adulthood. [20] Evaluating 579 patients with adult-onset primary dystonia, the investigators found 11 patients (8 women, 3 men) with lower limb dystonia, with the condition existing either alone (4 patients) or as part of a segmental/multifocal dystonia (7 patients). In 63.6% of the patients, the dystonia spread to the lower limb from another site, while in the remaining patients, the condition originated in the lower limb. The authors noted that 64% of the patients required treatment.

Oromandibular and lingual dystonia

Oromandibular, facial, and lingual dystonias are grouped together because of their possible coexistence. Cranial dystonia, commonly known as Meige syndrome, is the most common craniocervical dystonia. Women are more commonly affected, and onset is in the sixth decade of life.

Dystonia musculorum deformans (torsion dystonia)

Dystonia musculorum deformans, or torsion dystonia, is the term used to describe a generalized form of dystonia that involves the trunk and limbs. There are at least 2 types, and onset may begin in childhood or adolescence, infrequently occurring as abnormal movement of a limb after an activity. The movements progress in severity and frequency until they become a continuous spasm, resulting in contortion of the body.

At first, rest relieves the spasms, but as the disease progresses, the level of activity and positioning have no effect. The shoulder, trunk, and pelvic muscles undergo spasmodic twisting, as do the limbs. The hands are seldom involved. The orofacial muscles also may be affected, leading to dysarthria and dysphagia.

The pathology of dystonia musculorum deformans has yet to be described. In some cases, genetics appear to play a role. [15] Autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance have been reported. A rare, sex-linked form associated with parkinsonism has been described in the Philippines.

Tardive dyskinesia (tardive dystonia)

This is a common complication of long-term antipsychotic drug treatment due to dopamine receptor antagonism. The precise mechanism is unknown, but the risk appears to increase with advancing age. When medication is withdrawn relatively early in a patient's treatment, the dyskinesia may reverse, whereas after 6 months of exposure, the movement disorder may persist indefinitely. The clinical features of tardive dyskinesia include abnormal choreoathetoid movements, especially involving, in adults, the face and mouth (ie, blepharospasm, torticollis, oromandibular dystonia), and in children, the limbs. [5, 6]

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Etiology

Impaired basal ganglia outflow is thought to play a role in the genesis of some dystonias. Lesions in the putamen have been linked to hemidystonia. Bilateral putaminal involvement may be responsible for generalized dystonia.

Torticollis and hand dystonia are thought to result from involvement of the head of the caudate nucleus and thalamus, respectively. Disease of the thalamus and subthalamus, as well as derangement of hypothalamic function, also has been suspected.

Because the basal ganglia play a role in maintaining normal head posture, the basal ganglia and the vestibulo-ocular reflex pathway have been implicated in the development of cervical dystonia. Disturbances of neurotransmitter systems also have been described in dystonias. [15, 21] Abnormalities in blink reflex recovery suggest involvement of the brainstem. Cervical and upper limb traumas have been implicated as well.

A study by McClelland et al indicated that there are significant differences in the rate and pattern of pallidal firing according to the etiology and phenotype of dystonia. For example, the median firing frequency of the internal globus pallidus was higher in patients with primary dystonia than in those with secondary static dystonia and was higher in patients with progressive dystonia secondary to neuronal brain iron accumulation than in the other two groups. [22]

Drug-induced supersensitivity of striatal dopamine receptors and abnormality of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)–ergic neurons are proposed mechanisms for some drug-induced dystonias. Although supersensitivity is an inevitable accompaniment of long-term antipsychotic drug treatment, tardive dyskinesia does not always occur.

Abnormalities of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in specific cerebral structures also have been associated with dystonia musculorum deformans. In a literature review of human and animal studies, Smit et al pointed out that reduced levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid have been found in association with dystonia. The investigators also identified 89 cases, reported in 49 papers, that demonstrated a relationship between dystonia and drugs that impact the serotonergic system. [23]

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History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Studies

In dystonia, as in all neuromuscular disorders, history taking and physical examination are necessary. Family history is important; as many as 44% of patients have a family history of similar or other movement disorders.

Dystonia may be a clinical manifestation of many treatable neurologic conditions; therefore, a thorough screening should be performed to exclude Wilson disease (ie, hepatolenticular degeneration), hypoxic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, Huntington disease, Leigh disease, lipid storage disease, and Parkinson disease.

A number of medications can induce acute dystonic movements, and a careful investigation of the patient's medication list must be performed to rule out iatrogenic causes. Common drugs that can induce movement disorders and dystonias include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Dopamine antagonists

  • Haloperidol

  • Metoclopramide

  • Antiepileptics

  • Phenytoin

  • Carbamazepine

  • Valproic acid

  • Felbamate

  • Dopamine agonists

  • Levodopa

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Adrenergic agents

  • Amphetamines

  • Methylphenidate

  • Caffeine

  • Beta agonists

  • Antihistamines

  • Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Buspirone

  • Lithium

  • Cimetidine

  • Oral contraceptives

  • Cocaine

Various laboratory studies should be considered in the evaluation of dystonia. Blood chemistries, liver functions, ceruloplasmin levels, and blood copper levels may be appropriate. [7]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanning of the brain are especially important in the pediatric population and may identify hypoxic, hemorrhagic, or tumorous lesions. Slit-lamp eye examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings and 24-hour urine copper analysis also may be useful. [7]

Genetic screening for DYT gene abnormalities and genetic counseling are important for patients who have had an onset of primary dystonia before age 30 years or for persons who have an affected relative. [3]

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Rehabilitative Therapy

As with most movement disorders, dystonia may be influenced by fatigue, anxiety, relaxation, or sleep. Thus, attention to overall health, environment, and stressors can make dystonia more manageable. [24, 25]

Dystonic movements are often exacerbated or triggered by voluntary or intentional movements of the same or other body parts. Involuntary movements can be transiently suppressed by a contact stimulus, such as placing a hand on the ipsilateral or contralateral side of the face or neck of a patient with spasmodic torticollis.

Some dystonic movements may last seconds or minutes, but others may last hours or weeks. They can lead to permanent contractures, boney deformity, or significantly impaired function. Appropriate use of upper and lower extremity splints and orthotics to support, guide, reduce, or stabilize movements can help to prevent orthopedic deformities.

Physical therapy techniques (eg, massage), slow stretching, and physical modalities (eg, ultrasonography, biofeedback) are sometimes helpful in persons with focal or regional dystonias. Patients with generalized dystonia often benefit from gait and mobility training, as well as from instruction in the use of assistive devices.

Various physiatric therapies and modalities have been used with limited success in the symptomatic treatment of dystonias. These include relaxation training, sensory stimulation, biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and percutaneous dorsal column stimulation. [8]

Occupational therapy is an important means of training patients to perform activities of daily living (ADLs); it is also important for proper positioning and seating in patients whose mobility is impaired. Adaptive equipment should be provided to enhance function.

Speech therapists can offer training and communication aids to patients with oromandibular or laryngeal dystonia, and they can help in preventing complications in patients with transient dysphagia resulting from botulinum toxin injections.

Vocational rehabilitation may aid individuals in job retraining or in adapting to the workplace, as appropriate.

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Pharmacologic Therapy

Medications can be somewhat effective in controlling dystonic movements, but the lack of knowledge about the exact pathophysiology of dystonia has made the development of specific pharmacologic therapies difficult. Systemic medications benefit about one third of patients and consist of a wide variety of options, including the following [3] :

  • Cholinergics

  • Benzodiazepams

  • Antiparkinsonism drugs

  • Anticonvulsants

  • Baclofen

  • Carbamazepine

  • Lithium

Successful drug therapy often requires combinations of several medications, with choices generally guided by empirical trials and adverse effect profiles. Doses should be slowly increased over the course of weeks or months until the therapeutic benefit is optimized or until adverse effects occur. In most patients, discontinuation of the drugs requires tapering to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Baclofen, given intrathecally by an implanted pump, can be very effective in certain types of dystonia, especially if spasticity coexists. [3] Due to the low prevalence of side effects when the medicine is delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid, the ability to deliver the medicine continuously, and the ability to test the therapeutic effect prior to proceeding with surgery, this option may provide effective treatment for many patients.

Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors can serve as first-line therapy for individuals with tardive dyskinesia if the condition cannot be prevented through avoidance or limitation of dopamine D2 receptor antagonist use. A single-arm, open-label extension study by Hauser et al demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of the VMAT2 inhibitor deutetrabenazine in persons with tardive dyskinesia. By week 145, the total motor Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score had, in 67% of patients, improved by 50% or more, with improvement reaching 70% or more in 42% of patients. Also by week 145, the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores indicated that treatment was successful in 73% and 63% of patients, respectively. [26]

Neurochemolytic procedures or muscle blocks

Neurochemolysis of dystonic muscles is another important therapeutic option. Botulinum toxins or phenol/alcohol injections have become powerful tools in improving the symptomatic treatment of focal dystonias. [3, 9, 10, 11] These injections temporarily reduce the ability of the muscles to contract and may be the treatment of choice for blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, and hemifacial spasm.

Botulinum toxins are produced by the anaerobic, gram-positive spore-forming rod bacterium Clostridium botulinum and act by inhibiting the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Of the 7 immunologically distinct botulinum toxin serotypes, only types A and B are approved for clinical use. The onset of effect takes several days after injection.

The local injection of botulinum toxins into the offending muscles (often the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and splenius capitis) reduces muscle contraction for approximately 3 months. The treatment is not associated with significant complications, although dysphagia and dry mouth can occur. The medications can be used effectively for years, and although they are expensive, their cost is typically reimbursed by insurance. Most patients require repeated injections.

Phenol and alcohol nerve blocks also are temporary, but they last approximately 6 months and are significantly less expensive. However, only selected nerves can be injected, and a skilled practitioner is needed in order to avoid side effects.

The selection of appropriate muscles should be based on careful clinical assessment of the maximally involved muscles and on a clear delineation of the goals (eg, improved function, hygiene, pain relief). Initial needle placement in the chosen muscle, often with the aid of electromyelographic localization, is based on anatomic landmarks. The number of injection sites and overall dose vary depending on the size of the muscle, the degree of dystonia present, and the functional change desired.

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Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS uses surgically implanted wires placed either unilaterally or bilaterally into target areas such as the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, or globus pallidus. [12, 13] An implanted neurostimulator then delivers electrical stimulation through these wires to the brain. The best results have been obtained with pallidal stimulation in patients with primary dystonias, such as generalized DYT1 dystonia. [4, 27]

However, the optimal target point in different patients is still uncertain, and the long-term efficacy and side effects of DBS are unknown. [28, 29, 30, 31] Stereotactic placement of the electrodes requires a skilled neurosurgeon, and programming of the stimulator requires an experienced physiatrist or neurologist.

A prospective study by Volkmann et al found that the benefits of pallidal stimulation in patients with primary generalized or segmental dystonia were maintained at 5-year follow-up. In the study, significant improvements in dystonia were seen at 3-year follow-up to stimulation of the internal globus pallidus, with these improvements sustained by the patients at 5 years. Of 21 serious adverse events in the study, all resolved without permanent sequelae. [32]

Another study, by Romito et al, indicated that pallidal stimulation can improve dystonia occurring secondary to cerebral palsy. The study involved 15 patients with this condition who underwent stimulation of the internal globus pallidus; all had mild limb spasticity or mild static brain abnormalities on MRI. At last follow-up, the patients’ motor and disability scores, as measured using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, had improved by 49.5% and 30%, respectively, with health-related quality of life also having improved in the majority of patients. [33]

Using transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the physiologic effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) on cervical dystonia, Wagle Shukla et al found evidence that such DBS has only restricted effects on the physiology that underlies cervical dystonia. The investigators’ results indicated that DBS modulates sensorimotor integration and that this has good correlation with acute clinical improvement. However, DBS did not alter motor cortex excitability, and while it did normalize sensorimotor plasticity, this change was not found to be associated with clinical improvement. [34]

As previously mentioned, because of the risk of significant comorbidity, surgical approaches are reserved for patients with disabling dystonia in whom other treatment modalities have been exhausted.

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