title: Is focal task-specific dystonia limited to the hand and face?
abstract: Focal task-specific dystonia (FTSD) of the hand and face have been well described; however, FTSD of the leg is exceedingly rare. We describe and demonstrate by videotape 2 patients with FTSD affecting the leg, in both cases triggered specifically by walking down steps. Walking on a level surface, up steps, and down steps backward, and sideways were normal. An interoceptive sensory trick (imagining walking in a different modality) led to temporary improvement. Our patients appear to demonstrated that task-specificity in focal dystonia may not be limited to skilled, rehearsed actions and that FTSD may occur in an activity that is relatively autonomic.
authors.affiliation: The Neurological Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Frucht
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020821:Dystonic Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology