What is Dystonia?

Your Parkinson's symptoms may include resting tremor, rigidity, slowed movements (bradykinesia), and freezing, along with others depending on your body. But the painful symptom you have most likely experienced in one or more of its forms, is dystonia.

Dr. Suketu Khandhar reports, in the Summer 2018 issue of the PANC* newsletter, "Dystonia is a sustained muscle contraction causing abnormal postures and positions. It is more than simple muscle cramping."

Each person may experience these movements differently, in different parts of their bodies. But, dystonia is usually painful and can interfere with the activities of daily life.

There are several forms of Parkinson's dystonia:

Cervical Dystonia (previously called Spasmodic Torticollis) - Occurs in neck muscles and causes one's head to twist to one side, once PD medication has worn off.

Toe-Curling Dystonia - Usually occurs in the early hours before PD meds have started working.

Foot-Inversion Dystonia - Turns entire foot inward making it difficult, or impossible to walk.

Truncal Dystonia - Entire torso leans, or is pulled to one side.

Writer's Cramp - Hands or fingers curl, making it difficult to write.

Facial Dystonia - Includes jaw clenching or tooth grinding.

Blepharospasm - Excessive eyelid blinking or forced eyelid closure.

If you have one or more of these conditions and it is impacting your activities of daily life, see your neurologist. He will be able to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment to help alleviate some of your pain and discomfort. There are many things your neurologist can do for you, whether it be adding or increasing PD medications, prescribing muscle relaxants, Physical Therapy, or even an injection of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) to help relax muscle spasms. Note: You cannot always predict what your body is going to do at a given time, so Dr. Khandhar recommends you take a video of yourself while in a state of dystonia, so you can show the neurologist at your appointment time.

My husband has had all of these forms of dystonia at one time or another. And every one of these treatments has given him some relief. He does get a Botox shot around his eye to help open it up and it has been a huge help to him. The shot is painless and will last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. It helps him see better and alleviates cramping in his cheek and around his exterior eye.

Don't live with discomfort when you don't need to. If you aren't a fan of conventional medicine and prefer homeopathic methods, have your neurologist refer you to a PT who can equip you with exercises and/or specific movements to help the affected areas. Or, our Chiropractor (uses kinetic and PT methods) did wonders for Jamey's cervical dystonia. Other options might include acupuncture as well. But you will want to work with a neurologist at the outset, regardless.

Don't suffer in silence! Getting the relief you need may make you a happier person, and happy people live longer! Parkinson's or not, don't you want to live longer?!



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*Parkinson Association of Northern California, 1750 Prairie City Road, Suite 130-220, Folsom, CA 95630.