What Is the Treatment For Dystonic Movement Disorder?

Dystonic movement disorders, also called dystonias, are a group of neurological conditions characterized by on-going muscle contractions that cause involuntary and sometimes painful twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Treatment

• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), no one treatment works for everyone. Doctors use various therapies to help reduce or get rid of muscle spasms and pain.

Medication

• Medication for dystonic movement disorders usually involves drugs to help correct imbalances in neurotransmitters. According to the NINDS, the first drug (trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, or procyclidine HCL) doctors often prescribe is to reduce the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Also used are drugs such as diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam or baclofen to regulate the neurotransmitter GABA. A number of other drug options are available.

Drug Considerations

• According to the NINDS, the response to drugs for dystonias varies among patients and in the same person over time. Doctors often prescribe several types of drugs in varying doses looking for the combination that effectively treats symptoms while causing the least number of side effects.

Other Treatments

• Physical therapy, splinting, stress management and biofeedback may help people with some types of dystonia.

Surgery

• Brain surgery for dystonic movement disorders is an option when other treatments are ineffective. However, according to the NINDS, surgical options may cause disfigurement, can be unpredictable, may last only a short time and cannot be reversed.