What is the medical treatment for dystonia?

Treatment for dystonia is directed toward decreasing muscle spasms, pain, and awkward postures, and improving quality of life. Doctors may try a number of different treatments or combination of treatments before finding the therapy that is most effective for each person.

Oral medications for dystonia include those that affect the neurotransmitter chemicals involved in the control of muscle movement. These medications may include agents that modulate the levels of acetylcholine, dopamine, or GABA, three brain chemicals that are important for producing normal movement.

Neurologists also treat dystonia with botulinum toxin therapy, a safe and effective treatment that can relax dystonic muscles for several months, allowing people to maintain a more normal posture and movement.