Medium urgency
-Moderately severe
It is an involuntary contraction (spasm, stiffness) sustained in one or several muscles (generally in the neck, arms or legs) causing movement and pain in the affected area. There may also be tremors. They may occur at any age and are associated with diseases or the consumption of some drugs for the first time. The latter appear 24-48 hours after having consumed certain substances for nausea, vertigo, epilepsy and depression, for example. In chronic treatment, they are started gradually. Diagnosis is only clinical and there will be a consultation regarding substance consumption. Treatment aims to control dystonia by medication, botox injections, surgery and others. It is advisable to visit a neurologist. Go to an emergency department or contact the local emergency medical services (EMS) if there is contraction of the larynx leading to asphyxia due to air not being able to enter, weakness of an entire extremity or inability to speak correctly.
- Cynthia Comella, MD. Classification and evaluation of dystonia. UpToDate. Sep 21, 2016.
- Albanese A, Bhatia K, Bressman SB, et al. Phenomenology and classification of dystonia: a consensus update. Mov Disord 2013; 28:863.
- Friedman J, Standaert DG. Dystonia and its disorders. Neurol Clin 2001; 19:681.
- Cynthia Comella, MD. Treatment of dystonia. UpToDate. Oct 07, 2016.
- Albanese A, Asmus F, Bhatia KP, et al. EFNS guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of primary dystonias. Eur J Neurol 2011; 18:5.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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