Is dystonia genetic?
A genetic cause has been found in a small number of people with dystonia. For information on genetic forms read our Brochure: Genetics in Dystonia.
Does dystonia get worse over time?
For the majority of people with dystonia, symptoms often stabilise within a few years. After this time symptoms rarely change. However, with generalised dystonia, in particular young onset dystonia, symptoms may continue to worsen and spread over a longer period. For more information read our Brochure: Generalised Dystonia.
Is there a cure for dystonia?
At present there is no known cure for dystonia but there are treatment options. Read more about the different treatment options available.
Can dystonia be caused by stress?
Stress does not cause dystonia but symptoms often get worse in stressful situations. This happens in most movement disorders. It is not possible to avoid stress totally but there are many relaxation techniques that you can learn to minimise stress that may be helpful such as yoga. For more techniques ask your general practitioner to refer you to a practitioner or enquire at your local community health centre.
Can dystonia go into remission?
A small percentage of people will experience remission or a lessening of symptoms of their dystonia but these symptoms often return. However, the dystonias that respond well to treatments can have a longer term reduction in symptoms.
Is tiredness a part of my dystonia?
Many people report tiredness as part of their symptoms. For some people with constant involuntary movements the tiredness could be due to the energy expended, which is like an extended gym work-out. For others holding abnormal positions of their body throughout the day and the stress it puts on other parts of the body is very tiring. Tiredness can also be a sign of depression or low mood because of the chronic nature of dystonia. If this is a feature talk to your general practitioner, your specialist or mental health professional.
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Page last reviewed 24 November 2021
