Guide To The Symptoms Of Dystonia

Contractions Triggered By Specific Actions

Patients with task-specific focal dystonia may have contractions triggered by specific actions. For example, these individuals might observe muscle contractions while trying to write, and contractions could also occur while playing a musical instrument. Generally, patients who have contractions triggered by specific actions do not experience contractions at other times. Individuals who experience contractions while writing may have writer's dystonia (writer's cramp). This form of task-specific focal dystonia could cause the patient to grip a pen with excessive force, and they might also elevate their shoulders, retract their arm, or occasionally extend their fingers while holding a pen or while typing. 

Individuals with musician's dystonia typically do not experience any pain with their symptoms. The highest incidence of musician's dystonia is seen in pianists, guitarists, and brass players. Patients are normally affected in one hand, and brass players may experience symptoms in the hands or embouchure. Their fingers may curl up, and their thumb could flex involuntarily. Some individuals might also notice a tremor. Neurotoxin injections and occupational therapy are often beneficial in cases of task-specific focal dystonia.