Quick Facts about Myoclonic Dystonia
- Myoclonic dystonia is a genetic form of dystonia.
- Symptoms include rapid jerking movements alone or in combination with the sustained muscular contractions and postures of dystonia.
- The distribution of these rapid "jerks" is variable but most frequently affects the central part of the body, including the shoulders, arms, neck, and trunk.
- Symptoms may be dramatically impacted by the consumption of alcohol.
- Non-movement related features may be present including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, and panic attacks.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, and oral medications. Deep brain stimulation surgery is emerging as a promising option as well.
- Some researchers believe myoclonic dystonia is a variation of hereditary essential myoclonus.
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