Dystonia

At Dignity Health, our neurologists’ goal of treatment is to relieve the involuntary muscle spasms. Prevention involves avoiding any type of brain injury that might cause an acquired dystonia.

Treatment for dystonia includes medications, especially botulinum toxin to reduce muscle spasms and drugs that influence brain chemical activity. Surgery is an option for some people. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been show to work for certain types of dystonias. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy also are an important part of many dystonia treatment plans.

It is not possible to prevent idiopathic cases of dystonia. However, taking care to protect the brain from injury due to trauma or environmental exposures (chemical fumes or accidental ingestion of medications or cleaning products) reduces the risk of acquiring dystonia. Speak to a neurologist at Dignity Health to find out more about treating or preventing dystonia in AZ, NV, and CA.