What Is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a neurologic movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions, usually producing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. During voluntary movement, there is often activation of additional muscles not necessary for the intended movement.

Dystonia can be focal, involving a single body region (such as cervical dystonia, writer’s cramp), multiple body regions (Meige syndrome or craniocervical dystonia), or can involve the entire body (generalized dystonia).


Treatment options may include:

  • medications,
  • botulinum toxin injections, or
  • deep brain stimulation in certain cases.