It may seem strange to some people that they experience involuntary movements or twitching, but it is not uncommon. This happens more often than you think. These events can be triggered by fatigue, stress or lack of sleep. It can be hard to determine what the cause is, as there are many health conditions that may trigger such an event. Ask your doctor to get more information.
Dystonia is one of the symptoms which could be used to describe involuntary movement. Dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by slow repetitive movements and abnormal positions or postures, is characterised as a disorder of involuntary contractions or spasms. This long-term condition can affect any part of the body, including the face, arms and legs.
Dystonia is caused by disturbances in the central nervous system, or the brain. The basal ganglia is the deep brain region that controls the body’s movement, such as speed and smoothness. It prevents unintentional movement. This could be caused by abnormal neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that are responsible for processing impulses to or from the body parts.
Researchers have not yet confirmed the causes of dystonia. Many cases of dystonia remain unknown because imaging tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), do not reveal any abnormalities. Researchers have identified the following causes of dystonia.
- Mutation in the gene causing Dytonia, such as DYT1. DYT3, Dyt5, DYT6, and DYT11, 12 and 28
- Birth injury, such as a neonatal haemorrhage of the brain or lack oxygen to brain (hypoxia).
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain tumour
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Blood vessel malformation
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
- Inflammatory diseases
- Infection
- Antipsychotic drugs are one example of such medicines
- Exposure to harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, methanol or manganese
Anyone can experience dystonia. Dystonia is often progressive and progresses in stages. It began as repetitive, intermittent movements that were only apparent during stressful or voluntary situations. Dystonic postures and movements are then visible while walking, and can even be observed when the person is at rest or relaxed. This results in a permanent postural deformity. Dystonia is not progressive for some people as it stabilises after a certain period. Dystonia symptoms include uncontrolled muscle spasms and cramps. Dystonia is usually not associated with pain, but can cause pain to develop in the affected area or over time.
A person who does not have medical training will be unable to detect dystonia. If you have symptoms that are related to dystonia, it is best to seek medical advice. The patient can then receive the best treatment for their dystonia. Available treatments are injections of botulinum toxin, anticholinergic drugs such as trihexyphenidyl/benztropine, electromyography, deep brain stimulation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. It is important to get the right treatment in order to improve your quality of life.
