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What is Torsion Dystonia?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Torsion dystonia is a condition that involves muscle contractions that are often extremely painful. The severity of the contractions is usually enough to cause distortions in the arms and legs. Generally, the condition begins with mild symptoms that appear to be nothing more than temporary muscle fatigue and incrementally worsen over a period of time. If left untreated, the contractions will eventually spread to other parts of the body.

The origins of idiopathic torsion dystonia are generally considered genetic. Due to a mutation, the body does not produce glutamic acid, an essential amino acid that is aids in the proper transmission between the neurons that help regulate muscle control and movement. Without the presence of this important amino acid, the involuntary contractions common to genetic torsion dystonia begin to develop over time, eventually becoming debilitating.

While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, physical therapy may help some patients regain muscle control.
While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, physical therapy may help some patients regain muscle control.

Trauma can also lead to the development of this condition. Damage sustained in an accident or constant stress to the joints and muscles may serve as the trigger for the onset of torsion dystonia. Even something as simple as the constant use of the hands in typing or writing for long periods can lead to one of the milder forms of this condition, commonly known as writer’s cramp.

Early onset torsion dystonia begins with minor cramps in the legs.
Early onset torsion dystonia begins with minor cramps in the legs.

Children are more likely to experience torsion dystonia just before the advent of the teenage years. Most cases involved children occur around the ages of eleven or twelve. From the first mild contractions, the disease can develop into one of several different types, each affecting a different part of the body.

Early onset torsion dystonia begins with twinges and minor cramps in the arms or legs. Over time, the pain becomes harder to ignore and occurs with greater frequency. Unless treatment is administered, the condition can become so dire that confinement to a wheelchair is the only option.

Severe cases or torsion dystonia may require the use of a wheelchair.
Severe cases or torsion dystonia may require the use of a wheelchair.

While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, there are several common approaches to dealing with the condition. Physical therapy can be used to regain some control over the body and minimize the impact of the contractions. Often, the therapy is combined with medication. The medication helps to ease the aches and pains associated with the dystonia, as well as alleviate some of the anxiety that is common to people suffering with this type of health issue.

Oral medication may help ease aches and pains associated with dystonia.
Oral medication may help ease aches and pains associated with dystonia.

Injections of botulinum toxin can also help block neurotransmitters that are creating the contractions. While not directly addressing the underlying cause for the disease, the injections do help to alleviate pain and make it easier to live with the disease. Generally, injections are not utilized until physical therapy and oral medication becomes ineffective in managing the torsion dystonia.

Surgery is a final option in the ongoing treatment of torsion dystonia.
Surgery is a final option in the ongoing treatment of torsion dystonia.

Surgery is a final option in the ongoing treatment of torsion dystonia. This solution is rarely utilized unless all other options have ceased to provide any degree of relief. The exact type of surgical procedure will depend on the location of the contractions and how those contractions are impacting the surrounding organs.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, physical therapy may help some patients regain muscle control.
      By: Ambrophoto
      While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, physical therapy may help some patients regain muscle control.
    • Early onset torsion dystonia begins with minor cramps in the legs.
      By: Irena Misevic
      Early onset torsion dystonia begins with minor cramps in the legs.
    • Severe cases or torsion dystonia may require the use of a wheelchair.
      Severe cases or torsion dystonia may require the use of a wheelchair.
    • Oral medication may help ease aches and pains associated with dystonia.
      By: Pakhay Oleksandr
      Oral medication may help ease aches and pains associated with dystonia.
    • Surgery is a final option in the ongoing treatment of torsion dystonia.
      By: Kot63
      Surgery is a final option in the ongoing treatment of torsion dystonia.
    • A person experiencing muscle contractions in the legs may have difficulty standing unassisted.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A person experiencing muscle contractions in the legs may have difficulty standing unassisted.