What is Dystonia?

5. 5. How is dystonia treated?

For some medication-induced dystonias, treatment is effective at eliminating symptoms. With the avoidance of those medications in the future, dystonia can be avoided.

For most other types of dystonia, there are unfortunately no cures. With prescription medications, however, symptoms can be managed.

A variety of medications are used to help treat symptoms of dystonia. These include:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox). This toxin is injected into the contracting muscle(s) to stop unplanned contractions. The treatment must be repeated every three to four months.
• Levodopa. Levodopa raises levels of dopamine and, in an indirect pathway, helps decrease involuntary muscle contractions.
• Trihexyphenidyl, benztropine. Medications also used to treat Parkinson’s disease; they are anticholinergic drugs that help inhibit muscle movement.
• Tetrabenazine. This drug blocks dopamine.
• Diazepam, clonazepam, baclofen. These medications are muscle relaxants, and they are used if other medicines have not been effective. Side effects include drowsiness.
• Other treatments that may be used include physical therapy.

In certain cases, surgery may be considered. Surgery that can help treat dystonia may include selective peripheral denervation— or cutting away the nerve endings in the affected body part. Another surgical option is deep brain stimulation, where a pulse generator is implanted in the