title: Diagnosis and treatment of dystonia.
abstract: The dystonias are a group of disorders characterized by excessive involuntary muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures and/or repetitive movements. A careful assessment of the clinical manifestations is helpful for identifying syndromic patterns that focus diagnostic testing on potential causes. If a cause is identified, specific etiology-based treatments may be available. In most cases, a specific cause cannot be identified, and treatments are based on symptoms. Treatment options include counseling, education, oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and several surgical procedures. A substantial reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life is achieved in most patients by combining these options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 6300 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 6300 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 6300 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: hjinnah@emory.edu.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Jinnah
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 6300 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Stewart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Factor
mesh_terms: D004421:Dystonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans
keywords: Blepharospasm; Botulinum toxin; Cervical dystonia; Deep brain stimulation; Focal hand dystonia; Meige syndrome; Oromandibular dystonia; Spasmodic dysphonia