Dystonia meaning and treatment

Deep Brain Stimulation / Who is DBS for? / Dystonia

Dystonia is a condition that causes sustained muscle contractions. This can trigger repetitive or twisting movements or unintended postures which can also be painful. Dystonia can affect a specific area of the body or be more widespread throughout several muscle groups. Those muscle contractions may also lead to difficulties performing day-to-day activities.

The cause of Dystonia is unknown. Dystonia seems to be related to a problem in the basal ganglia. That’s the area of the brain that is responsible for initiating muscle contractions. Movements are often repetitive and cause unusual, awkward and sometimes painful postures. The problem involves the way the nerve cells communicate.

Dystonia affects different people in varying ways. The symptoms can range from mild to severe affecting different body parts that cause muscle spasms and contractions. The spasms and contractions may either be sustained or may come and go.

Dystonia can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary Dystonia is inherited, whilst secondary Dystonia is caused by external factors.

Treatment will vary, depending on the type of Dystonia you have and the precise nature of your symptoms. Often there will be a multi-disciplinary approach for your treatment, involving neurologists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists and speech therapists.

There are varying types of medicine you may be prescribed. The main options are drug therapy, injections of botulinum toxin, surgery, physical therapy or alternative treatments. Some of those options can also be combined.¹

You will work with your movement disorder specialist team to find the best solution for you.

Botulinum Toxin

This is a possible treatment that could be prescribed by a specialist team for some Dystonia patients.

Surgery

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a type of brain surgery that is used to treat dystonia.

Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical procedure designed to help control motor symptoms while allowing for a reduction in medication. DBS uses a device similar in size and shape to a cardiac pacemaker. It sends signals to your brain to help control the symptoms of movement disorders. Your surgeon will place one or two wires called ‘leads’ in the brain.

The leads are then connected to the stimulator and the stimulator is placed under the skin in the chest. When the stimulator is turned on, it produces mild electrical impulses that stimulate a specific target within the brain. 

Discover how Deep Brain Stimulation therapy works

The stimulation may help regulate the incorrect signalling in the brain, improving some of the symptoms of movement disorders. For many people, daily activities which had been impossible to perform previously could become feasible again.

To be accepted for DBS surgery, your specialist team will advise you to be aerobically fit as you can be.

Am I a good candidate?

However, every individual is unique. You should discuss with your movement disorder specialist’s team with whom you work closely whether DBS is a suitable therapy option for you. 

If you want to be considered for DBS consult your family doctor and asked to be referred to a Specialist Neurologist, Specialist Implanting Neurosurgeon, who has an interest or is an expert in the area of movement disorders. 

After you have been referred, you must undergo a detailed selection process. If approved, you will be put on a DBS surgical waiting list.

There are ongoing studies and funding to support the treatment for Dystonia. Keep up to date with all the research and resources going on to support the cure for Dystonia here.