Now, for today’s topic. About the treatment of dystonia.

A sudden disease name in medical term.

A disease where the body moves on its own against one’s own will, muscles tense.

Unlike involuntary movements due to sleep or mental disorders.

もくじ

Treatment methods for dystonia:

Medication:

Medications that relax muscle contractions, such as anticholinergic drugs, are commonly used. For example, benzatropine and trihexyphenidyl are used.

Botulinum toxin injection: Botulinum toxin has the effect of inhibiting muscle contractions and is effective for certain types of dystonia.

For example, it is used for blepharospasm and cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis).

In our clinic, since many of the current patients are undergoing botulinum toxin treatment, we do not perform botulinum toxin treatment for new patients.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS):

Deep brain stimulation is considered for some dystonia patients.

This is a surgical approach where electrodes are implanted in the brain to alleviate symptoms using electrical stimulation.

Biofeedback measures physiological responses of the mind and body, providing visual or auditory feedback to individuals as a training technique.

With this technique, individuals can consciously control their own physiological information, aiming to improve health and performance.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation can be useful to alleviate dystonia symptoms.

It contributes to muscle control and posture improvement.

Treatment using sensory tricks As previously introduced in the blog in Japanese.

Dystonia treatment has similarities with treating certain types of dizziness (persistent perceptual positional dizziness).

The key is to perform actions to the maximum level possible without triggering symptoms or actively perform movements while the symptoms are absent.

In writer’s cramp (dystonia of the fingers), it involves practicing writing.

*This way of thinking is my original idea. I have also successfully treated professional pianists and guitarists in the past.