How To Treat Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes twisting and jerking muscle spasms. The involuntary movements cause abnormal body postures and painful contortions. Dystonia is a rare disease, affecting only one percent of the entire population. The exact cause of dystonia remains unknown, but research suggests the problem arises from a malfunction in the brain's basal ganglia. Genetics, other medical influences, drug reactions, a stroke, or tumor can also cause cases of dystonia. The types of dystonia and severity of the condition vary from mild to severe. Some individuals only experience localized dystonia in one muscle, while others have little control over their whole bodies.