Dystonia
Symptoms
Dystonia can
involve
many
different parts of the body. Some forms of
dystonia are associated with specific
genetic and/or environmental risk factors, but the
underlying pathophysiological pathways remain elusive. It
is generally believed to be centrally
mediated.
Early
dystonia
symptoms may
involve
a
deterioration in handwriting after writing
numerous lines, foot cramps,
and/or a trend of one foot to pull up
or drag; this may arise "out of the blue" or
may arise after running or walking some distance. The
neck may turn or pull involuntarily, especially when the
patient is fatigued or stressed. Sometimes both eyes will
blink quickly and uncontrollably, rendering a person
functionally blind.
Other
potential dystonia
symptoms are tremor and voice or speech
difficulties. The early symptoms can be very mild and may
be noticeable only after prolonged exertion, stress, or
fatigue. Over a period of time, the symptoms may become
more noticeable and widespread and be unrelenting;
sometimes, however, there is little or no progression at
all.
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