Generalized Dystonia

Historically, Generalized Dystonia has also been referred to as: Primary Generalized Dystonia, Idiopathic Torsion Dystonia, and Dystonia Musculorum Deformans. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, which force certain parts of the body into abnormal & painful movements or postures. Dystonia can affect any part of the body including the arms and legs, trunk, neck, eyelids. face, or vocal cords. There are many different types of Generalized Dystonia. They all have similar symptoms & spasms, but they all have different causes. The causes of most types of Generalized Dystonia are still not completely understood. Several types, DYT1+, RDP, &Dopa-Responsive, are genetically caused; other types, called tardive dystonia, are cased by known reactions to multiple medications, while what's called secondary generalized dystonia do appear to be genetically linked. there are several types which do have known cause. These types include:

• Early-onset generalized dystonia (DYT1 and non-DYT1) - Early-onset generalized dystonia is characterized by the twisting of the limbs and torso...more information @ gd«DREAMS»

• Tardive (medication-induced) Generalized Dystonia (medication-induced) - Specific Medications are capable of causing dystonia.

• Dopa-responsive dystonia - A group of dystonias that respond to a medication called levodopa.

• Myoclonic dystonia - A hereditary form of dystonia that includes prominent myoclonus symptoms.

• Paroxysmal dystonias and dyskinesias - Episodic movement disorders in which abnormal movements occur only during attacks.

• Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism - A hereditary form of dystonia that includes symptoms of parkinsonism...more information @DMRF

• X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism - A hereditary form of dystonia that includes symptoms parkinsonism.

• Secondary dystonias - Dystonia that is triggered by factors such as trauma, medication exposure, toxins.

• Trauma - Dystonia may follow trauma to the head and/or to a specific body area.

• Toxins - Several rare toxins are known to cause movement disorders.

• Neurological and metabolic disorders - Dystonia can occur as a symptom of multiple disorders.