The Dystonias

The Dystonias is a new title introduced under the Contemporary Neurology Series defining the key features of one of the most frequently misdiagnosed of all movement disorders. This volume provides a comprehensive practical clinical resource that addresses how to recognize the many types of dystonia, how they are diagnosed and evaluated, and the currently available medical and surgical treatments. The dystonias are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by excessive muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures and movements. The clinical manifestations of dystonias are quite varied. The dystonias may emerge at any age from infancy through late adulthood, they may affect muscles in nearly any region of the body alone or in various combinations, they may occur without other clinical problems, or they may be combined with other neurological or systemic disorders. There are many causes for dystonia too, both acquired and inherited. The chapters explore the clinical manifestations and causes which are quite varied for all age groups. Among adults, the most common syndromes affect a single body region such as the neck (cervical dystonia or torticollis), craniofacial region (blepharospasm or oromandibular dystonia), one limb (writer's cramp or foot dystonia), the larynx (laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia), or another region. For adults, most cases are idiopathic, and a cause cannot be found despite extensive workup. For children, dystonia often spreads to involve a broader region of the body, and a cause is more likely to be discovered. The most common syndromes among children include cerebral palsy or genetic disorders where dystonia may occur in isolation or combined with other clinical problems. The Dystonias will be the most useful guide for both pediatric and adult neurologists, as well as specialists in rehabilitation medicine or physiotherapy. This book will also be valuable for neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, developmentalists, rehab specialists and physiotherapists.