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Dystonia

Movement Disorders
Erlanger Neuroscience Institute
979 East Third Street
Suite C-830
Medical Mall
Chattanooga, TN 37403

423-778-9001

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in use does not function correctly: causing opposing muscles to contract simultaneously. Dystonia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Elements shared by the different types of dystonia: repetitive, patterned, and often twisting, involuntary muscle contractions.

  • Disrupts the nervous system’s ability to effectively communicate between the brain and the muscles.
  • May affect one muscle, a group of muscles, or all muscles.

 Treatment for Dystonia

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
  • Baclofen Pump implants
  • Oral medications

Baclofen and Botox are most effective when used in combination with physical, occupational, and/or speech therapies.

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