Symptoms

Dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contraction causing repetitive or twisting movements. Dystonia can affect a specific area of the body or be more widespread throughout several muscle groups. Dystonia is typically categorized based on cause, age of onset, and body distribution.

Dystonia Classification¹

Classification by cause

Primary Dystonia	• Often hereditary due to mutation of gene DYT1 • Patient exhibits no other neurological disorder or brain abnormalities
Secondary Dystonia	• Associated with lesion of central nervous system often caused by outside factor such as trauma, cerebral palsy, stroke or exposure to certain medications

Classification by age of onset

Early-onset Dystonia	• Symptoms begin in childhood, usually before the age of 20-30
Late-onset Dystonia	• Symptoms begin in adulthood, usually after the age of 30

Classification by body distribution

Generalized Dystonia	• Affects the entire body
Focal Dystonia	• Affects one area of the body
Segmental Dystonia	• Affects two or more contiguous body areas
Hemidystonia	• Affects one side of the body

Resources

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Symptoms

Dystonia Classification1

Resources

Dystonia Classification¹