What are the types of Dystonia?

Dystonia is classified based on the affected body parts and its underlying causes. Here are the main types of dystonia:

1. Based on the Affected Body Parts

Focal Dystonia (Affects a single body part)

Cervical Dystonia (Spasmodic Torticollis): Affects the neck muscles, causing involuntary head tilting, turning, or jerking.

Blepharospasm: Causes excessive blinking or involuntary eyelid closure.

Oromandibular Dystonia: Affects the jaw, tongue, and facial muscles, making speaking and chewing difficult.

Laryngeal Dystonia (Spasmodic Dysphonia): Affects the vocal cords, causing voice interruptions or a strained, breathy voice.

Writer’s Cramp (Task-Specific Dystonia): Affects the hands and fingers, making writing or playing an instrument difficult.

Segmental Dystonia (Affects two or more adjacent body parts)

Meige Syndrome: A combination of blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia.

Brueghel’s Syndrome: Involves facial, jaw, and neck dystonia, often with exaggerated movements.

Generalized Dystonia (Affects multiple body parts or the entire body)

Often begins in childhood and spreads from the limbs to other parts of the body.

Multifocal Dystonia (Affects two or more non-adjacent body parts)

Can impact different regions like one arm and the opposite leg.

Hemidystonia (Affects one side of the body)

Usually caused by brain injury, stroke, or other neurological disorders.

2. Based on the Underlying Causes

Primary Dystonia (Genetic or Idiopathic)

No known underlying cause except possible genetic mutations.

DYT1 Dystonia: A genetic form that typically starts in childhood.

DYT5 Dystonia (Dopa-Responsive Dystonia): Improves with dopamine medication.

Secondary Dystonia (Acquired)

Caused by external factors such as brain injury, stroke, infections, or certain medications.

Paroxysmal Dystonia

Occurs in sudden episodes and can be triggered by movement, stress, or exercise.

Dystonia-Parkinsonism Syndromes

A combination of dystonia and Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms.