Dystonia

What Is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal postures, and repetitive movements. These spasms can be sustained or intermittent, leading to jerky motions, twisting movements, or unusual body positions. The severity and location of dystonia vary widely—some cases are mild and focal, while others can be generalized and impact multiple areas of the body.

Dystonia is thought to originate from abnormal signaling between the brain and muscles, particularly within the basal ganglia, a region responsible for motor control. It can occur on its own (primary dystonia) or as a symptom of another neurological condition (secondary dystonia).

There are several types of dystonia, categorized by the areas of the body affected:

Generalized Dystonia – Involves most or all of the body.
Focal Dystonia – Affects a single muscle or group of muscles.
Multifocal Dystonia – Impacts two or more unrelated body areas.
Segmental Dystonia – Affects two or more adjacent body parts.
Hemidystonia – Involves the arm and leg on the same side of the body.

Speech-Related Dystonias

Dystonia can also affect the muscles used in speech and breathing, leading to difficulties in communication and vocal function. Speech-related dystonias include:

Oromandibular Dystonia – Causes involuntary spasms in the jaw, tongue, and facial muscles, affecting speech, chewing, and swallowing.

Respiratory Dystonia – Also called respiratory laryngeal dystonia, this condition affects throat muscles involved in breathing. Symptoms include unexplained shortness of breath and abnormal vocal fold movement. It may occur alongside spasmodic dysphonia.

Spasmodic Dysphonia – A focal dystonia affecting speech. It causes intermittent voice breaks, strained speech, or breathy voice quality due to involuntary movements of the vocal folds

Other Common Dystonias

Cervical Dystonia — Causes abnormal, often painful, involuntary neck movements (such as twisting or pulling the head and neck in various directions).

Writer's Cramp — Causes abnormal movement of the hand or forearm during writing.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Dystonia

How Are Dystonias Treated?

While there is no cure for dystonia, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving muscle control. UR Medicine offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, combining neurology, movement disorders, otolaryngology, and speech pathology to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Botox Injections – Botulinum toxin injections help relax overactive muscles and reduce spasms.
Medications – Depending on the type and severity of dystonia, providers may prescribe anticholinergic agents, GABAergic agents, or dopaminergic agents to help regulate muscle contractions.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – A surgical treatment where electrodes are implanted in the brain to help regulate abnormal nerve signals causing dystonia.
Respiratory Retraining – For individuals with respiratory dystonia or speech-related dystonias, therapy can help strengthen and coordinate breathing muscles to improve voice and airflow.
Speech Therapy – Helps individuals with oromandibular, spasmodic, or respiratory dystonias regain better control over speech and vocal function.
Myofascial Release Therapy – A hands-on physical therapy approach that targets muscle tightness and restricted movement, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility in affected areas.

What Sets Us Apart?

At UR Medicine, our multidisciplinary team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, otolaryngologists, and speech-language pathologists provides expert care for all forms of dystonia, from focal to generalized cases. Our collaborative, system-wide approach ensures each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that addresses both movement-related and speech-related symptoms.

Here’s what makes UR Medicine a leader in dystonia care:

Specialized Movement Disorder Expertise – Our neurology team is at the forefront of dystonia research and treatment, offering deep brain stimulation (DBS), advanced medications, and botulinum toxin injections to manage symptoms.
Integrated Voice & Speech Care – Our ENT and speech-language pathology teams provide specialized care for oromandibular, spasmodic, and respiratory dystonias, ensuring patients receive comprehensive voice and swallowing therapy.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostics – We use cutting-edge imaging, electromyography (EMG) testing, and voice function studies to accurately diagnose and tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.
A Nationally Recognized Center – As part of a leading academic medical center, our team is involved in clinical research and emerging therapies, giving patients access to the latest advancements in dystonia treatment.