Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements or postures. Etiologies include primary genetic forms, secondary to structural brain lesions, medications, or neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical manifestations vary from focal (e.g., cervical dystonia) to generalized involvement, sometimes with associated pain and functional impairment. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by family history, neuroimaging, and genetic testing as appropriate. Management includes pharmacologic therapy (anticholinergics, botulinum toxin), physical therapy, and surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation; prognosis depends on etiology and response to treatment.