Medical Treatments

Treatments for dystonia depend on the underlying cause. When the dystonia is due to another disease, treatment of that disease is the first step. When no evident cause is identified, treatment focuses on improving the function of the involved body part. Conservative measures, particularly for focal dystonias, can involve physical and occupational therapy. When this alone is insufficient, medications can be used. The most common medications are those that reduce the intensity of the overactive muscle groups. These include anticholinergic medications like trihexyphenidyl, benzodiazepines like clonazepam and muscle relaxants like baclofen. If the dystonia is focal (e.g., involving just the neck), botulinum toxin can be injected into the overactive muscles. This generally needs to be repeated every three to four months.

Surgical Treatments

For more debilitating cases of dystonia, especially generalized dystonia, surgery is often necessary. Baclofen pumps can be inserted into the spine for patients with severe lower extremity dystonia. For more generalized dystonia or for upper body dystonia that doesn’t respond well to medications, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the treatment of choice.