21 Aug Dystonia – Causes And Treatments
Dystonia is a neurological disorder which causes involuntary movement of muscles due to the contractions of muscles that affects the way the body moves. In other cases, the muscles may get rigid and stuck in an abnormal position. It could affect the muscles of only a single body part, or the entire body. This affects the daily living of patients as it makes it difficult for them to execute even the simplest of everyday tasks like eating, holding an object, tying up shoelaces, buttoning up a shirt, etc. This causes shame and embarrassment for them in public; the weaker patients thus succumbing to depression. These involuntary movements are undoubtedly uncomfortable, but may also be painful in some patients. Whatever it is, dystonia is a very unpleasant condition, for which patients are always seeking the best dystonia treatment in UAE.
Dystonia causes
There is no exact cause of dystonia found as yet. Some patients inherit the disorder from their family genetics, while others tend to gain the ailment from certain medications, or excessive usage or withdrawl of alcohol and drugs. Dystonia may also be caused from injury to the brain or nervous system, or other infections from virus, bacteria, or fungi. Whatever it is, the condition involves wrong or weak signals sent to the brain, which does not let it control the muscles, thus causing involuntarily shaking.
Dystonia symptoms
The symptoms of dystonia may start slowly. You may notice slow movements, rigidity in the limbs, or deteriorating handwriting. Other symptoms may include involuntary and rapid blinking, difficulty speaking, shaky voice, excessive tiredness, or sudden tightening of the neck to one side. These symptoms may stay the same or worsen over time, depending upon your individual traits.
Dystonia diagnosis
While there is no definite test that can diagnose dystonia, you must immediately get in touch with a movement disorders specialist if you notice any of the above symptoms. If you really have symptoms of dystonia, he will be able to diagnose it through various tests and provide you with the appropriate dystonia treatment in UAE. One such professional you can approach is Dr. Shivam Mittal, who is well-versed and capable of successfully treating not only dystonia, but a variety of other movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, tremor, balance issues, and more. The tests that the doctor may use to diagnose your condition include physical examinations, genetic tests, blood tests, urine tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, EEG, and EMG.
Dystonia treatment
Once analyzed and found that you are suffering from tremor, you will be given an individual and personalized treatment, depending upon your condition. If you are in the initial stages of tremor, you will be given oral medications, along with certain exercises, massages, and therapies. If these medications don’t work, you will be given botulinum toxin injections to control the movement of your muscles. This treatment will stay effective for 3-6 months, after which you will again need to be injected. If the condition is severe and worse, you will be suggested a surgery – the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, which involves insertion of electrodes within the brain and a neurotransmitter within the chest. When connected, the neurotransmitter will send signals to the brain to control the contraction of muscles. Along with this, you will be given stress management education, speech therapy, and wearing of splints on affected parts of your body.