Idiopathic Dystonia Treatment in Delhi, India

Idiopathic dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary cervical muscle contractions that can lead to abnormal postures or slow repetitive movements. The movements of the patients diagnosed with idiopathic dystonia can be painful and the patients can also have tremors or other neurological symptoms.

The muscle spasms can be painful and can interfere with daily activities. Idiopathic dystonia leads to severe motor impairment such as disabling. Idiopathic dystonia is observed among the majority of people diagnosed with dystonia. It is also called primary dystonia.

Idiopathic Dystonia Causes

The exact cause of idiopathic dystonia is not known, but it involves changes in several parts of the brain or communications. There is no identifiable cause of idiopathic dystonia. Many people diagnosed with dystonia fall in the idiopathic dystonia category. Some of the known causes of idiopathic dystonia are as follows:

• Stroke
• Birth injury
• Heredity
• Neurological diseases
• Side-effects of medications such as anti-nausea medications and others

Idiopathic Dystonia Symptoms

As idiopathic dystonia affects various parts of the body the symptoms of idiopathic dystonia are as follows:

• Foot cramp or one foot can turn or you need to drag
• Tremor
• The writing skills getting worsened
• Difficulty in speaking
• The neck may turn or pull involuntarily
• Eyes may blink uncontrollably or rapidly
• Spasms may also cause the eyes to close

The initial symptoms of idiopathic dystonia can be mild and can be noticed only after prolonged stress, physical exertion, or fatigue.

Idiopathic Dystonia Diagnosis

The healthcare professional will first understand the medical history and then go for a physical examination. To further investigate the underlying conditions the doctor can prescribe the below-mentioned tests:

Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans can identify the abnormalities in brains, such as lesions, evidence of stroke, and tumours

Genetic testing

These tests will help to identify the genes that have dystonia

Blood and urine tests

These tests can help to identify the toxins in the blood and urine of an individual

Electromyography

This test can measure the electrical activity in muscles

Idiopathic Dystonia Diagnosis Treatment

As the treatment of idiopathic dystonia involves management of the muscles, the doctor can prescribe a combination of treatments.

Medications

Botulinum toxin is injected into specific muscles that might help to reduce muscle contractions and also improve abnormal postures. In addition, other medications recommended for the brain that affects muscle movement are:

• Medications that help to reduce neurotransmission
• Medications that block dopamine
• Medications that can act on neurotransmitters
• Medications that can increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine

Therapy

Some of the therapies suggested by the doctor would include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speed therapy
• Massage
• Stretching to ease the muscle pain

Surgery

If the symptoms of idiopathic dystonia are severe, then the doctor can also recommend surgery:

Deep brain stimulation

In Deep brain stimulation surgery electrodes are implanted surgically into a part of the brain and are connected to an implanted generator. The generator then sends electrical pulses to the brain that helps to control muscle contractions

Selective denervation surgery

In this procedure the nerves that control muscle spasms are cut, this type of surgery helps to treat idiopathic dystonia when other therapies do not work.

Risk Factors Associated with Idiopathic Dystonia

Anyone can be at the risk of being diagnosed with idiopathic dystonia. All categories, age, race, and ethnic background people including men, women, and children are at risk of developing idiopathic dystonia. Patients who have symptoms under the age of 21 years are more likely to experience idiopathic dystonia in the whole body.

Possible Complication of Idiopathic Dystonia

The complications of idiopathic dystonia would depend on the severity of the disease. Some of the possible complications are physical disabilities, difficulty with vision, depression, pain and fatigue, difficulty with jaw movement, and others.

The doctors can prescribe tests such as blood tests, MRIs, and others for the diagnosis of the disease. The healthcare professionals would opt for a combination of treatments that includes medication, therapy, and surgery recommended by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease.

Living with idiopathic dystonia can be difficult and frustrating sometimes as a body might not always move as you would like. Thus, patients and their families might find it helpful to talk to a therapist or join a support group.

Natural Progression

Idiopathic dystonia is a movement disorder that can affect one of your body or all parts of the body. In this, the muscles contract involuntarily and cause twisting or repetitive movements. Currently, there is no cure for idiopathic dystonia; however, medications can help to improve the symptoms. Additionally, idiopathic dystonia can also be a cause or a symptom of other diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Wilson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, a traumatic brain injury, and others. Early signs of idiopathic dystonia are often mild and occasional.