| Dystonia
- The dystonias are movement disorders in which sustained muscle contractions
cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements,
which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle;
a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire
body. Those with dystonia usually have normal intelligence and no associated
psychiatric disorders.
Blepharospasm
- Blepharospasm, the second most common focal dystonia, is the involuntary,
forcible closure of the eyelids. The first symptoms may be uncontrollable
blinking. Only one eye may be affected initially, but eventually both eyes
are usually involved. The spasms may leave the eyelids completely closed
causing functional blindness even though the eyes and vision are normal.
Botulinum
Toxin - Minute amounts of this familiar toxin can be injected into
affected muscles to provide temporary relief of focal dystonias. First
used to treat blepharospasm, such injections have gained wider acceptance
among physicians for treating other focal dystonias. The toxin stops muscle
spasms by blocking release of the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
The effect lasts for up to several months before the injections have to
be repeated.
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
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