Focal Dystonia

Focal dystonia  is a neurological condition affecting a muscle or muscles in a part of the body causing an undesirable muscular contraction or twisting. For example, in focal hand dystonia, the fingers either curl into the palm or extend outward without command. This is caused by misfiring of neurons, causing the contractions. Though the condition expresses itself in a body part, it is thought that it actually originates in the motor cortex, a portion of the brain. While generally painless, there are many instances when the condition does certainly produce pain for the patient. It is worth noting that focal dystonia regularly affects those who rely on fine motor skills - musicians, writers, surgeons, etc.

Numerous Musicians affected by focal dystonia include Leon Fleisher, of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, who suffered from this affliction in his right hand, as did Alex Klein, formerly the first oboist of the Chicago Symphony, and Ernestine Whitman, former member of the Atlanta Symphony and currently a professor of flute at Lawrence University. Former principal tuba of the New York Philharmonic, Warren Deck was diagnosed with focal dystonia of the upper lip in 2001, ending his playing career. Classical guitarist David Leisner is one of the few musicians who has entirely recovered from this condition and who has returned successfully to the concert stage and recording studio after a decade of disability. Also, Leon Fleisher, after having received botox injections has newly regained the use of his right hand.

In 2005, New Age acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin announced via his website that he is suffering severely from focal dystonia, which harshly confines his ability to play. Another musician to be afflicted by this condition is shred guitarist Terry Syrek, who recorded his whole album "AUM" with just two entirely functioning fingers of his fret hand. Scott Adams, the writer of the admired Dilbert comics, is also afflicted with focal dystonia of the hand, which impedes his artwork.

This disorder can sometimes be treated by giving periodic botox injections, which weakens the contracted muscles for a period of time allowing the opposing muscles to move more routinely , but this has had only partial success.