Torsion dystonia causes painful muscle contractions that can lead to sprains and can be genetic or caused by trauma. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, botulinum toxin injections, and surgery as a last resort.
Torsion dystonia is a condition involving often extremely painful muscle contractions. The severity of the contractions is usually sufficient to cause sprains in the arms and legs. Generally, the condition begins with mild symptoms that appear to be nothing more than temporary muscle fatigue and get progressively worse over time. Left untreated, the contractions will eventually spread to other parts of the body.
The origins of idiopathic torsional dystonia are generally thought to be genetic. Due to a mutation, the body does not produce glutamic acid, an essential amino acid that aids in proper transmission between neurons that help regulate muscle control and movement. Without the presence of this important amino acid, the involuntary contractions common to genetic torsional dystonia begin to develop over time, eventually becoming debilitating.
Trauma can also lead to the development of this condition. Damage sustained in an accident or constant stress on joints and muscles can act as a trigger for the onset of torsional dystonia. Even something as simple as using your hands constantly while typing or writing for long periods can lead to one of the mildest forms of this condition, commonly known as writer’s cramp.
Children are more likely to experience torsional dystonia shortly before the onset of adolescence. Most cases involving children occur around the age of eleven or twelve. From the first mild contractions, the disease can develop into several types, each affecting a different part of the body.
Early-onset torsional dystonia begins with minor twinges and cramps in the arms or legs. Over time, the pain becomes harder to ignore and occurs more frequently. Unless treatment is given, the condition can become so severe that confinement to a wheelchair is the only option.
While there is no cure for torsion dystonia, there are several common approaches to addressing the condition. Physical therapy can be used to regain some control over the body and minimize the impact of the contractions. Often, therapy is combined with medications. The drug helps relieve pain associated with dystonia, as well as relieve some of the anxiety that is common to people suffering from this type of health problem.
Botulinum toxin injections can also help block the neurotransmitters that are creating the contractions. While not directly addressing the underlying cause of the disease, the injections help relieve pain and make it easier to live with the disease. Generally, injections are not used until physical therapy and oral medications become ineffective in managing torsional dystonia.
Surgery is the last option in the ongoing treatment of torsional dystonia. This solution is rarely used unless all other options have ceased to provide any degree of relief. The exact type of surgical procedure will depend on the location of the contractions and the impact of those contractions on surrounding organs.
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