Dystonia
Movement disorder
Our multi-disciplinary neuroscience unit can diagnose and treat the symptoms of dystonia, improving quality of life
What is dystonia?
Dystonia can affect the whole body, one part of the body, or a number of adjacent areas. There's no cure, but treatment can help relieve symptoms.
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of dystonia? icon plus
Dystonia is usually a lifelong condition and symptoms may be constant, or occasional. They include:
- uncontrolled, painful muscle cramps and spasms
- blinking that cannot be controlled
- abnormal fixed positions; your neck twisting to one side, for example
- uncontrolled shaking
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How is dystonia diagnosis? icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will ask about your symptoms and family history as dystonia can be hereditary.
Dystonia can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests. Brain scans such as MRI or CT scans can display underlying issues such as strokes, tumours or lesions.
A further test called an electromyography exam measures electrical activity within the muscles. Your consultant will tell you the type of dystonia you have and which part of your body is affected. -
Dystonia treatment options icon plus
While there's no cure for dystonia, symptoms can be controlled through medication. This includes a muscle relaxants, which is injected into the muscles to stop contractions.
Therapy may help to ease muscle pain and improve speech, and deep brain stimulation may also help control symptoms. Here, electrodes are implanted in the brain and a tiny generator sends electrical impulses to control the spasms.
If these treatments don't work, selective denervation surgery is an option. This involves cutting the nerves causing the spasms.
Our consultants
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
16 Devonshire Street
Marylebone
London W1G 7AF
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344