Cervical Dystonia Symptoms and Treatment

Continuing our article about cervical dystonia, then we will proceed on the symptoms and how to treat the disease.
Symptom

Muscle contractions involved in cervical dystonia can cause the head to rotate in multiple directions, including:
1. Chin toward the shoulder
2. Ear toward the shoulder
3. Chin straight up
4. Chin straight down

The most common types associated with cervical dystonia and when the chin is pulled toward the shoulder. Some people experience a combination of abnormal head posture. A jerking motion of the head can also occur. Most people who have experienced cervical dystonia also experience neck pain that can spread up to the shoulder. The disorder can also cause headaches. In some people, the pain of cervical dystonia can be exhausting and paralyzing.

Treatment

There is no cure for cervical dystonia. In some people, signs and symptoms may disappear without treatment, but recurrence is common. Treatment focuses on relieving signs and symptoms.

Drugs

People who have cervical dystonia often must use a combination of drugs to relieve the signs and symptoms. These medicines include:

1. Botulinum toxin
These agents are often used to smooth facial wrinkles, can be injected directly into the neck muscles are affected by cervical dystonia. Most people with cervical dystonia showed immediate improvement with this treatment, which usually must be repeated every 3-4 months.

2. Parkinson’s drug
Drugs used to combat the tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, including trihexyphenidyl and benztropine (Cogentin), can be used in combination with botulinum toxin injections. Side effects that often occur, including dry mouth, constipation, memory problems, decreased urine flow, or blurred vision.

3. Muscle relaxants
These drugs often help a bit, but it also has side effects, especially sedation, imbalance, and mild cognitive impairment. Examples include diazepam (Valium, Diastat), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and baclofen (Lioresal).

4. Pain medication
The pain from cervical dystonia may require drug therapy. This can range from a painkiller that is freely available on the market or prescription pain medications.

Therapy

Signs and symptoms of cervical dystonia can sometimes be reduced by:
1. Exercises that increase strength and flexibility of the neck
2. Using a neck brace
3. Training in stress management techniques

Surgical and other procedures

If less invasive treatments do not help, your doctor may suggest surgery to undergo the procedure. The surgical procedure that can be lived, among others:
1. Cutting the muscle or nerve
2. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)