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  • Living with dystonia
  1. Help and support
  2. Living with dystonia

Living with dystonia

Living with dystonia affects people differently. How it affects you will depend on the treatments used to manage it and the form or type of dystonia you have.

For example, some types make eating or talking more difficult while other types make walking or sleeping more difficult. It can sometimes impact school or work. You may experience pain or be more tired than normal.

“Focus on the things you can do and enjoy them.” - Margie

You may need to find different ways to complete everyday tasks but lots of people can continue to do the things they did before their diagnosis. Many people find being diagnosed with dystonia gives them access to treatment options which can help with symptoms.

Benefits

Benefits

Find out more about financial support available to the dystonia community. Read more

Published: 9th September, 2019

Updated: 19th January, 2026

Author:

Dystonia dictionary and definitions

Dystonia dictionary and definitions

Learn more about common medical terms used when talking about dystonia. Read more

Published: 19th January, 2026

Author: Victoria Wareham

Education

Education

Read our guidance to support children living with dystonia in education. Read more

Published: 9th September, 2019

Updated: 19th January, 2026

Author:

Employment

Employment

Find out more about work, employment and dystonia. Read more

Published: 19th January, 2026

Author: Victoria Wareham

Living with dystonia FAQs

Living with dystonia FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions related to living with dystonia from benefits to how dystonia affects daily activities like driving. Read more

Published: 9th June, 2021

Updated: 19th January, 2026

Author: Bernie McMahon

Mental health

Mental health

Discover more about mental health and dystonia, support available and other mental health resources. Read more

Published: 19th January, 2026

Author: Victoria Wareham

Sleep

Sleep

Find out more about getting a good night's rest. Read more

Published: 19th January, 2026

Author: Victoria Wareham

Travel & transport

Travel & transport

Information about travelling with dystonia. Read more

Published: 21st January, 2026

Author: Victoria Wareham

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Latest

  • A warm welcome to our new CEO

    A warm welcome to our new CEO

    22/05/2026 | The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Alex Feis-Bryce.

  • Alex Feis-Bryce

    Alex Feis-Bryce

    Chief Executive Officer

  • TCS London Marathon 2027

    TCS London Marathon 2027

    Event type: UK Race. Date: 25th April 2027. Location: UK. Registration fee: £75. Fundraising target: £2,500.

  • TCS London Marathon 2027

    TCS London Marathon 2027

    Event type: UK Race. Date: 25th April 2027. Location: UK. Registration fee: £75. Fundraising target: £2,500.

Most read

  • What is dystonia?

    What is dystonia?

    Dystonia is a neurological condition that is estimated to affect at least 100,000 people in the UK. Learn more about it here.

  • What are the symptoms?

  • What causes dystonia?

    What causes dystonia?

    The cause of dystonia is not yet fully understood, in some cases at least it can be attributed to a chemical imbalance in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia, a part which helps to control movement.

  • What are the symptoms?

  • What are the symptoms?

  • What are the common treatments?

  • What are the causes?

  • What are the common treatments?

  • What are the causes?

  • Who does it affect?

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Dystonia UK is the operating name of The Dystonia Society. The Dystonia Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1062595) and in Scotland (SC042127)

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