Dystonia

Abstract

Dystonia refers to a group of neurological disorders characterized by spasmodic, patterned, repetitive or sustained co-contractions of agonist and antagonist muscle groups that eventually lead to abnormal twisting movements and postures. The movements range from slow twisting athetoid to rapid myoclonic jerky movements, and may occasionally be accompanied by a tremor [1]. The dystonic movements may be worse with movement (action dystonia), which is either nonspecific or task specific (eg, writer's cramp) [1]. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.