HEAD
Cranial Dystonia
A combination of Oromandibular and Blepharospasm, cranial dystonia is sometimes used to describe symptoms felt in the head, face, and neck.
EYES
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a type of focal dystonia in which there is an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the eyelids resulting in uncontrolled closure of the lids or rapid blinking.
THROAT / VOCAL
Spasmodic Dysphonia / Laryngeal Dystonia
Spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia involves involuntary contractions of the vocal cords causing interruptions of speech and voice quality. A characteristic symptom of spasmodic dysphonia is patterned, repeated breaks in speech.
NECK / SHOULDERS
Cervical Dystonia / Spasmodic Torticollis
Cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticollis affects the neck muscles, causing the head to twist, turn or be pulled backward, forward, or to the side. Both agonist and antagonist muscles contract simultaneously during dystonic movement.
FINGERS / WRIST
Focal Hand Dystonia / Writer’s Cramp
Focal hand dystonia causes involuntary movement, cramping or tremors in the hand or arm. Symptoms usually are seen when making repetitive movements such as writing or playing an instrument or sport.
TORSO / LIMBS
Generalized Dystonia
Generalized dystonia affects multiple muscle groups in the torso and limbs. Symptoms are usually first seen during childhood or adolescence, often without pre-existing neurological problems.
LIMBS / FEET / LEGS
Limb Dystonia
Limb dystonia often starts as uncontrollable and painful muscle contractions in the foot or hand, which causes natural twisting, turning, and curling. Writer’s cramp is the most common form of upper limb dystonia.
MOUTH / JAW
Oromandibular Dystonia / Meige’s Syndrome
Oromandibular dystonia is focal dystonia characterized by forceful contractions of the face, jaw, and tongue. The jaw may be pulled open or not closed; speech or swallowing can be difficult or inconsistent.
