Dystonia

Overview

Dystonia is a rare movement disorder in which involuntary, prolonged muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements are sometimes painful. Generalized dystonia involves the entire body. Focal dystonias involve only one body location, most commonly the neck (spasmodic torticollis or cervical dystonia), eyelids (blepharospasm), face (Meige syndrome) or hand (writer's cramp or limb dystonia).

Why choose Mayo Clinic for dystonia

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in movement disorders (neurologists and neurosurgeons) treat people who have dystonia. Your doctor will tailor your care to your needs and the type of dystonia you have.
• Expertise. People with dystonia who come to Mayo Clinic benefit from the expertise of doctors trained in movement disorders.
• Team approach. Integrated teams of doctors collaborate to provide state-of-the-art treatment in a caring environment. People who have dystonia may benefit from medications, injections and certain surgeries, including deep brain stimulation, all of which are available at all Mayo Clinic locations.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals in neurology and neurosurgery.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about diagnosis and treatment of dystonia.