Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Dystonia UK
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Membership Donate
Menu
  • About us
    • Who we are
    • The team
    • Annual reports and accounts
    • News
  • About dystonia
    • What is dystonia?
    • What causes dystonia?
    • Types of dystonia
  • Help and support
    • How we support you
    • Diagnosis and treatment
    • Just diagnosed
    • Your local support group
    • Our conferences
  • Membership
    • Why become a member
    • Join or renew your membership
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Fundraise for us
    • Other ways to give
    • Partner with us
    • Volunteer for us
    • Campaigns
    • Your stories
    • Your voice heard
    • Shop
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • What causes dystonia?
  1. About dystonia
  2. 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.

The basal ganglia regulates the numerous muscle contractions that are necessary to move the body and if this part of the brain is damaged in some way, that means the wrong muscles contract when you try to move or that the muscles contract even when you are not meaning to move, causing uncontrollable twitching, tremor and contractions. These spasms are known as dystonic movements.

This imbalance can be:

inherited – a dystonia caused by mutations in a specific gene
acquired (secondary) – a dystonia that appears to have a specific cause such as drug reaction, brain injury, or as a symptom of another neurological or metabolic disorder or;
idiopathic – a dystonia with no known or clear cause.

Published: 8th July, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon

    Virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon

    Event Type: Marathon. Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021. Location: Virtual so wherever you are. Registration Fee: £15. Sponsorship Pledge £250.

  • Virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon

    Virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon

    Event Type: Marathon. Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021. Location: Virtual so wherever you are. Registration Fee: £15. Sponsorship Pledge £250.

  • Understanding Personal Independence Payment with Dystonia UK and the Brain Charity

    Understanding Personal Independence Payment with Dystonia UK and the Brain Charity

    Dystonia UK and The Brain Charity, Discuss applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and what you may be entitled to.

  • Dystonia Matters Webinars

    Dystonia Matters Webinars

    Reach Out, Reach All Webinars featuring experts in neurological movement disorders.

Most read

  • Make a donation

  • Callum's story

    Callum's story

    Callum's story, as told by his dad Neil. Callum is a young man with Down Syndrome who has neck dystonia (cervical dystonia).

  • Membership

  • Research update

  • What is dystonia?

    What is dystonia?

    Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that is estimated to affect at least 100,000 people in the UK.

  • Coronavirus and dystonia

    Coronavirus and dystonia

    11/02/2021 | We’re here for you. Here’s the latest guidance on coronavirus and dystonia, and where to get support.

  • Lockdown Unlocked

    Lockdown Unlocked

    Gemma-Louise Stevenson, Tully Kearney and Tegan Vincent-Cooke discuss a variety of topics as part of our Lockdown Unlocked series.

  • What are the symptoms?

  • What are the causes?

  • Date and times

Tag cloud

Airdrie DS Group Cambridgeshire DS Group Edinburgh DS Group Hertfordshire DS Group Kent DS Group Lancashire & Fylde DS Group Liverpool DS Group London and Surrey DS Group Manchester DS Group North East DS Group North Shropshire Borders DS Group Northern Ireland DS Group Oxford DS Group Torbay & Exeter DS Group West Midlands DS Group West Sussex DS Group

Subscribe to receive regular emails from Dystonia UK

* indicates required
  • Sitemap
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Update your communication preferences


  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Registered office

89 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7TP
[email protected]
020 7793 3651

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)


Help Dystonia UK

Donate Volunteer Fundraise