Age of onset

The age at which symptoms begin is referred to as age of onset. If an individual develops symptoms prior to approximately age 30, it may be referred to as early-onset or childhood-onset. (If the dystonia occurs during the teen years, the term adolescent-onset may be used.)

If symptoms develop after the age of 30, it is called late-onset or adult-onset.

These forms of dystonia are typically early-onset:
DYT1 generalized dystonia
Non-DYT1 generalized dystonia
Paroxysmal dystonia & dyskinesias

Dopa-responsive dystonia

Myoclonus dystonia

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism

These forms of dystonia are typically adult-onset:

Blepharospasm

Cervical dystonia

Embouchure dystonia

Oromandibular dystonia

Laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia)

Hand dystonia (writer's cramp)

Secondary dystonia may be early- or adult-onset, depending on the underlying cause.

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