How is the body affected by Dystonia?

When dystonia affects only one part of the body, it is called focal dystonia.

Segmental dystonia affects two or more connected body areas (for example the neck, shoulder, and arm). If two or more areas in different parts of the body are affected, the dystonia is termed multifocal(for example the eyes and vocal cords).

Generalized dystonia refers to dystonia that may affect the limbs, trunk, and other major body areas simultaneously. The term axial dystonia describes dystonia that specifically affects the torso.

When dystonia only affects muscles on one side of the body, it is called hemidystonia

Certain dystonias are labeled task-specific which means that the symptoms occur only when the person is performing a specific task or movement. These forms often involve the fingers and hands or the mouth.

If symptoms only occur in �episodes� that last for minutes or hours, the terms paroxysmal dystonia and dyskinesias are used.

The word torsion is sometimes used, usually in reference to generalized, axial, or segmental dystonia. Torsion refers to the twisting element of dystonia. It describes muscles contracting against each other.

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