Dystonia

Dystonia is best thought of as a movement disorder.  It is defined as a state of abnormal sustained muscular contraction.

Dystonia may be "focal" in that it affects only one muscle or one small group of muscles.  An example of this is writers cramp.  Dystonia may also be generalized affecting the entire body, such as in Idiopathic Torsion Dystonia.

Some cases are caused by genetic defects, others because of repetitive overuse of a muscle group, or even as a reaction to a painful process.

Dystonia can be painful, disfiguring, or disabling.

The neurologist can diagnose dystonia by history and physical examination.  Effective treatments are available.