Background: Dystonia is a neurological syndrome, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting, repetitive movements and abnormal postures. The aim of this brief review is to summarize the current state of knowledge as to the clinical, genetic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of dystonia.
Material and methods: This article is based on own research, clinical experience and recent medical literature found by searching Medline.
Results and interpretations: Dystonia is the third most prevalent movement disorder in humans and is a common term for a group of primary (idiopathic) and secondary (symptomatic) movement disorders. For the primary types, tremor and myoclonus are the only symptoms in addition to the dystonia itself. Some primary dystonias have a hereditary component. Secondary dystonias are associated with other diseases with hereditary, metabolic, traumatic or exogen causes. There is still no curative treatment of dystonia, but new therapeutic methods increase the possibility of reducing involuntary movement, abnormal postures and pain, as well as improving function and quality of life for patients with dystonia.