Focal Dystonias

Focal dystonias are adult-onset forms that affects a specific area of the body. Most focal dystonias are primary (meaning that it is the only neurological symptom and presumed to have a genetic component), though secondary cases are documented. Focal dystonia may affect muscles of the eyes, mouth, vocal cords, neck, hands, and feet. Types of focal dystonia include:

• Blepharospasm—Affects the eyes
• Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)—Affects neck and shoulders
• Oromandibular dystonia (cranial dystonia)—Affects face, mouth, and/or jaw
• Laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia)—Affects the vocal cords
• Hand dystonia (writer’s cramp)—Affects the hands and forearm