PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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​Dystonia
by Dr. Suketu Khandhar, MD Kaiser

We all know that the cardinal motor symptoms of PD are resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia (slowed movements). But did you know they are not the only motor symptoms patients may experience? What about Dystonia? Dystonia is a sustained muscle contraction causing abnormal postures and positions. It is more than simple muscle cramping. There is a pattern to these movements and they occur in specific areas of the body. For example a common form of dystonia is Cervical Dystonia, previously called Spasmodic Torticollis. It occurs when neck muscles contract involuntarily causing the head to turn or twist to one side.  This can happen in isolation or in specific conditions like PD. It most commonly happens when dopaminergic medications wear off. It can be painful. It can interfere with daily activities. Imagine this happening when someone is driving. They would not be able to keep their head looking straight to drive safely.
 
There are other common forms of dystonia in PD
  1. Toe Curling Dystonia – this commonly occurs in the early hours of the day before meds have a chance to kick in
  2. Foot Inversion Dystonia – this is where the whole foot turns inward making it difficult to walk with surefootedness
  3. Truncal Dystonia – this is where the torso leans or is pulled to one side
  4. Writer’s Cramp
  5.  Facial Dystonia – this includes jaw clenching
  6. Blepharospasm – excessive eyelid blinking or forced eyelid closure
 
So how do we identify and confirm this condition?  A neurologist best identifies Dystonia. There is no blood test or imaging study to help confirm a diagnosis. It relies on taking a good history and clinical examination. Often times however, the dystonia may not be present when in the doctor’s office. I recommend video-recording symptoms in advance in order for the neurologist to review and consider treatment.
 
Dystonia is best treated by:
  1. Reviewing one’s medications to see if any adjustment could improve symptoms
  2. Considering adding or increasing PD medications
  3. Considering muscle relaxants
  4. Physical Therapy to relax and stretch the affected muscles
  5. Injecting Botulinum Toxin into the affected muscles – this is a chemical toxin that reduces the transmission between nerve muscle, thereby weakening muscles
 
                  If you think you may have Dystonia, please discuss your symptoms and concerns with your neurologist. 
 

​

COVID-19: There is still limited information about the effects of COVID-19 specifically regarding Parkinson’s disease, having said that, given the frailty associated with Parkinson’s disease, it would be prudent to be cautious, prepared and follow the precautions recommended by public health departments/ CDC.   During these challenging times, it cannot be emphasized enough the need for all, PD community specifically and the
​community at large, to reach out to each other, offer support and assistance to those most vulnerable and share our resources.

​Our Mission

​​The Parkinson Association of Northern California is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners throughout our region. 
La Asociación de Parkinson del Norte de California se dedica a mejorar la vida de las personas con Parkinson, sus familias y los compañeros de cuidado. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org
Mailing Address:
Parkinson Association of Northern California
1024 Iron Point Road, #1046
​Folsom, CA 95630
​

Phone: (916) 357-6641
If you'd like more information please call the office 
Si le gustaría obtener más información por favor llame ​a la oficina.
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Copyright © 2020 Parkinson Association of Northern California. All rights reserved.
​PANC is a 501(c)(3)   Tax ID #68-0372037
  • PANC Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Panel
    • Privacy Policy
    • Annual Report & 990's
  • Contact Us
  • About Parkinson's
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Articles
  • Ways to Support
    • Donate Online
    • Donate by Mail or Phone
    • CAREPARTNER RESPITE SUPPORT
    • Be A Sustaining Donor
    • Planned Giving
    • Donate a Vehicle
    • AmazonSmile
    • Become a Support Group Facilitator
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Español
    • Sobre PANC
    • Clases y recursos
  • Programs/Support Groups
    • Support Groups
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
  • Newsletter
  • PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation December 2022 Classes
    • Davis Phinney Foundation -PD self 2023, Webinair series , Every Victory counts & many more
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinairs - Dec 22--Jan 23
    • Michael J Fox Foundation -1/19/23 Eating to Boost Brain Health
    • Parkinson 's Foundation Webinars, and events
    • Parkinson Voice Project - Speech exercises Daily 8 AM Info session 2nd Tu
    • PD Active Calendar of exercise, dance, singing & speech classes and support groups
    • PMD Alliance - Online and In person classes and support groups
    • World Parkinson Coalition Research spotlight 22, Sing-A-Long 12/14 WPC 23-7/4-7/7
  • DONATE