Torsion dystonia

Torsion dystonia is a fairly rare disease in which muscle tone is disturbed and various motor disorders are observed. Pathology has a neurological origin and a chronic progressive course. It is associated with the defeat and disruption of the work of deep brain structures that are responsible for muscle contractions.

Types of torsion dystonia

Depending on the etiology of the disease, there are two types:

1. Idiopathic torsion dystonia - develops due to a genetic factor, i.e. is inherited.
2. Symptomatic torsion dystonia - develops in pathologies associated with damage to certain parts of the brain (eg, in hepatocerebral dystrophy, brain tumors, neuroinfections).

Depending on the location, the prevalence of pathological disorders is:

1. Local torsion dystonia - the lesion affects some muscle groups (muscles of the neck, legs, arms), is more common.
2. Generalized torsion dystonia - the lesion develops gradually, involving in the pathological process the muscles of the back, the entire trunk, the face, and also the severity of the manifestations is strengthened.

Symptoms of torsion dystonia:

• violation of gait;
• involuntary movements;
• cramps of the muscles of the limbs, trunk, neck, characterized by peculiar rotational involuntary movements;
• speech disorders;
• spasms of jaw muscles;
• spasm of the eyelids;
• "Bifurcation" of vision, etc.

Most often, with hereditary etiology, the first manifestations of the disease are observed at the age of 15-20 years. Initially, spasms and convulsions occur when trying to make a move, with physical or emotional stress. Later the symptoms begin to manifest themselves in a state of rest.

Treatment of torsion dystonia

In most cases, the following groups of drugs are prescribed for the treatment of the disease:

• muscle relaxants ;
• adrenoblockers;
• cholinolytic preparations;
• glucocorticoids ;
• antipsychotics;
• sedatives.

Also can be prescribed therapeutic exercises, massage, physiotherapy treatment. More effective is the surgical treatment of torsion dystonia, in which an operation is performed on the peripheral nerves or with the destruction of subcortical structures of the brain. Surgical interventions can achieve positive results in about 80% of cases.