Dystonia

Dystonia services offered in Wichita Falls, TX
If you experience involuntary muscle contractions and want relief, turn to Neurology Center of Wichita Falls: Jessica L. Schultz, MD, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Jessica Schultz, MD; Kimberly Pollock, NP; and their highly trained staff diagnose and treat dystonia to help you better manage unpleasant symptoms. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

What is dystonia?
Dystonia is a type of movement disorder in which you develop involuntary muscle contractions. It might result in twisting or repetitive movements in certain areas of your body or all over. The symptoms could be mild or severe and debilitating. Treatment at Neurology Center of Wichita Falls: Jessica L. Schultz, MD, can improve your quality of life. 
What are the symptoms of dystonia?
Symptoms you may notice because of dystonia include:

Involuntary muscle contractions

Contractions in one or more areas of your body

Muscle contractions when writing

Involuntary contractions with stress or fatigue

Contractions that get worse over time


Dystonia contractions can affect your neck, jaw, tongue, eyelids, hand, or forearms. It may even affect your voice box and vocal cords, reducing your voice to a whisper. 
Torticollis is a rare disorder that causes your neck muscles to contract and your head to twist to one side.
When left untreated, dystonia can cause physical disabilities that negatively affect your job or ability to care for yourself. It can impair vision, swallowing, speech, or jaw movements and cause fatigue, anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. 
What are the risk factors for dystonia?
While the cause is unclear, factors that may increase your risk of developing dystonia include:

Genetics

Wilson’s disease

Huntington’s disease

Parkinson’s disease

Birth injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Stroke

Brain tumor

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Oxygen deprivation 

Heavy metal poisoning

Some medications


At the first sign of dystonia, see the experts at Neurology Center of Wichita Falls: Jessica L. Schultz, MD, for an evaluation. 
How does my provider diagnose dystonia?
To find out if you have dystonia, the team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and can recommend specific diagnostic tests. Examples include blood tests, urine testing, CT scans, MRIs, or electromyography (EMG), which is a type of nerve test.
How is dystonia treated?
Depending on the cause of dystonia and how severe it is, the team could recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Home remedies
Things you can do at home to reduce symptoms include using ice or heat packs, touching parts of your body that spasm, and properly managing stress. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and biofeedback can also help. 
Medications
Taking medications or receiving Botox®, Dysport®, Xiomin®, or other injections may reduce unpleasant symptoms of dystonia. 
Therapies
Physical therapy, speech therapy, stretching, and massage can ease symptoms associated with dystonia. 
Surgery
In the case of severe symptoms, the team might recommend deep brain stimulation, nerve procedures, or another surgery if other treatments haven’t reduced your symptoms. 
To learn more about dystonia and receive symptom relief, call Neurology Center of Wichita Falls: Jessica L. Schultz, MD, or schedule an appointment online today. 

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