Dystonia

Diagnosis

No specific test can determine dystonia and it may frequently be misdiagnosed or confused with other diseases. A diagnosis is usually based on signs and symptoms, along with physical and neurological examinations. Mayo Clinic specialists have the experience and tools to accurately diagnose the disease.

Dystonia can be primary (not caused by something else and possibly inherited) or secondary (a result or symptom of another disorder, injury or medication).

Possible causes for secondary dystonia include:

• Wilson's disease (an inherited disease that causes copper to accumulate in the body)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Trauma to the brain
• Lack of oxygen during birth
• Side effect of medication

In adults, the most common secondary dystonia is tardive dystonia, which occurs from the use of certain neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.