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  • paroxysmal-dystonia
  1. About dystonia
  2. Types of dystonia
  3. Paroxysmal dystonia

Paroxysmal dystonia

Other names: None

Type: Focal / Generalised

Paroxysmal dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterised by continuous or intermittent muscle contractions which cause abnormal, often painful, repetitive movements in the face or body that are only visible during episodes. Episodes tend to last for short periods of time and between attacks there are usually no other visible symptoms.

Some forms of paroxysmal dystonia are triggered by things such as sudden movement, fatigue, coffee, and alcohol. Attacks may be brief, lasting only seconds or a few minutes, whereas in others the attacks can be much longer, lasting several minutes to hours. Some individuals may have many attacks per day, whereas others experience them very infrequently.

Paroxysmal dystonia is usually diagnosed and treated by a neurologist specialising in movement disorders.

What are the symptoms?

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Symptoms of paroxysmal dystonia include:

  • abnormal twisting movements in the face, limbs, or body
  • tremor
  • pain

Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.

Published: 1st June, 2020

Updated: 10th July, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Who does it affect?

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  • Paroxysmal dystonia usually starts in teenage years.

Published: 2nd June, 2020

Updated: 10th July, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the causes?

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Dystonia is caused by incorrect signals from the brain to the affected body part.

In most people the condition has no known cause. Sometimes the condition can be caused by damage to the brain, for example following a head injury. The condition can occasionally run in families.

Published: 3rd June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the common treatments?

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  • Oral medication

Published: 4th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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How will it affect my life?

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You may need to find ways to adapt and might have to learn new ways to complete everyday tasks.

However, it is possible to live well with the condition and Dystonia UK is here to support you through all stages including initial onset, diagnosis, finding treatment and beyond.

During an attack, people with paroxysmal dystonia do not lose consciousness, and are completely aware of their surroundings. There is no effect on the mind or the senses. They are not the same as epilepsy, and therefore do not necessarily disqualify one from driving (though advice should be sought from the driving licence authority [DVLA].)

Published: 5th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Published: 6th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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