Dystonia: The hidden movement disorder

Dystonia is an umbrella term covering a number of complex conditions affecting the eyes, face, neck, speech, limbs and trunk. It is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and sustained muscle spasms and contractions that produce abnormal, twisting postures or repetitive movements. It can affect people of all ages, and there is currently no known cure. Dystonia can affect just one part of the body or several different areas. It is a neurological disorder affecting movement but not intellect. There are at least 40 000 people in the UK affected by the condition (Dystonia Society, 2009).