What Is Dystonia?

Dystonia is the term used to describe a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms. These spasms can affect different areas of the body and often force certain parts of the body into abnormal movements and postures, some of which are painful.

What does dystonia affect?

Dystonia can affect the neck (cervical dystonia), the eye muscles (blepharospasm), the hand (writer's cramp), the trunk, arms and legs as well as other areas. Dystonia is classified by age of onset, by the parts of the body affected and by cause. Generalized dystonia affects several areas of the body whereas focal dystonia is limited to one area.