Neurological diseases >>>> Torsion dystonia - signs and treatment

Torsion dystonia - signs and treatment.

Torsion dystonia is a disease that affects the cells of the nervous system (subcortical ganglia, dentate nuclei of the cerebellum). It is considered a hereditary pathology and begins to manifest itself at a very young age (starting from 5-14 years). This is a progressive disease that leads to curvature of the body, bizarre postures with the head thrown back and a bending torso (around its axis). Torsion dystonia is manifested by disorders of muscle tone (spasms, tonic cramps, hyperkinesis), leading to disorders of motor activity. The attempt to move causes the spasms to intensify, and the state of rest or sleep leads to their disappearance. The spasm involves not only the muscles of the back, but also the muscles of the neck and limbs. Intelligence does not suffer during the development of this disease.

Some of the signs of torsion dystonia are similar to those of epidemic encephalitis and degenerative muscle tissue diseases. The first signs of the disease may be involuntary movements in the limbs (especially the lower ones), writing spasm (impaired motor activity of the muscles during writing) may occur, the gait may become shaky and awkward due to uneven tension in the muscles of the limbs. In a state of nervous excitement, muscle spasms may increase. Hyperkinesis of the neck muscles can cause involuntary back and forth movements of the head and spasms of the facial muscles. In advanced complex conditions, patients can develop muscle contractures, the rigidity of the muscles of the trunk increases, and disorders of the functions of chewing, swallowing and even breathing occur.

Since the disease torsion dystonia today does not belong to curable diseases, the treatment of torsion dystonia is supportive, slowing down the progression. Successful results are obtained with the use of dopamine receptor blockers (Levodopa), muscle relaxants (Baclofen), anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine), anticholinergics, vitamins of group B. In modern medicine, botulinum toxin injections are practiced (short-term action for 3-4 months and requires repeated injections).

In the case of unsuccessful conservative treatment of torsion dystonia, neurosurgical intervention is practiced with the aim of destroying the subcortical structures that cause pathological impulses. Surgical intervention allows you to restore to a certain extent motor activity and enable the patient to do without outside help in everyday life.