Guide To The Symptoms Of Dystonia

Trouble Swallowing

Oromandibular dystonia patients could have trouble swallowing, and this might make it difficult to eat and speak. It is common for patients with this form of dystonia to have trouble opening and closing the mouth. Some patients with this condition only have symptoms when they are trying to talk or eat. For others, symptoms could also occur at rest. Patients might experience more severe symptoms like worsening trouble swallowing during times of stress or fatigue.

To manage the swallowing difficulties caused by oromandibular dystonia, doctors may recommend botulinum toxin injections and speech therapy. The botulinum toxin injections are administered into specific muscles that control the movement of the mouth. Before the injections are given, doctors may perform an electromyography test to identify the specific muscles that need treatment. Speech and language therapists can teach patients mouth and swallowing exercises designed to reduce the risk of choking. When these exercises are performed regularly, they may help the patient eat and chew more easily.

Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of dystonia now.