BACKGROUND: Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes muscles to contract and create uncomfortable, abnormal postures. There are different types of dystonia that affect different muscles in the body and can occur at any age. The types include cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, cranio-facial dystonia and task-specific dystonia. For someone dealing with this disorder, they may experience sporadic involuntary movements and turns from the neck or the foot. These muscle contractions may also happen after a period of physical activity. Other symptoms include rapid blinking from the eyes, body tremors and difficulty speaking. (Source: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dystonias/detail_dystonias.htm)
CAUSES: Doctors do not fully understand what causes dystonia. Researchers believe that the disorder may result from damage or dysfunction to parts of the brain that control the body's movement. Cases of dystonia are classified into three groups (idiopathic, genetic, acquired) based on what doctors believe may be the cause. Many cases of dystonia are labeled as idiopathic which means there is no clear cause. Genetic dystonia is usually caused by a defective gene passed down by one parent. Acquired dystonia is caused by environmental surroundings like a physical accident to the brain. (Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/dystonia/page2.htm#what_do_researchers_know_about_dystonia)
NEW TECHNOLOGY: By using deep brain stimulation (DBS) doctors at the UF Health Center for Movement Disorders & Neurorestoration may now have a new way to fight dystonia. DBS uses an implanted device to send electrical signals to the brain in order to disrupt and scramble the dysfunctional signals from dystonia. Doctors first implant neurostimulators under the patient's collarbone and connect these stimulators to the brain. Everything is under the skin with no external parts or wires. DBS has been used effectively for people with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's; treating over 30,000 people across the globe. The program at UF has reached a milestone of 1000 DBS leads. The positive experience with both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's treatment is leading DBS to become the gold standard for treating dystonia. (Source: http://www.spasmodictorticollis.org/index.cfm?pid=114&pageTitle=Deep-Brain-Stimulation-for-Dystonia:-What-You-Need-to-Know)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nickie Doria, APR
dorian@shands.ufl.edu
352-265-0373
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