Neuroimaging Applications in Dystonia

Int Rev Neurobiol. 2018:143:1-30. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2018.09.007. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Abstract

Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements. Although the precise mechanisms of dystonia development remain unknown, the diversity of its clinical phenotypes is thought to be associated with multifactorial pathophysiology, which is linked not only to alterations of brain organization, but also environmental stressors and gene mutations. This chapter will present an overview of the pathophysiology of isolated dystonia through the lens of applications of major neuroimaging methodologies, with links to genetics and environmental factors that play a prominent role in symptom manifestation.

Keywords: Diffusion imaging; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Isolated dystonia; Neuroreceptor mapping; Pathophysiology; Positron emission tomography; Voxel-based morphometry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain* / metabolism
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Brain* / physiopathology
  • Dystonic Disorders* / diagnostic imaging
  • Dystonic Disorders* / metabolism
  • Dystonic Disorders* / pathology
  • Dystonic Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Gray Matter* / diagnostic imaging
  • Gray Matter* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • White Matter* / diagnostic imaging
  • White Matter* / pathology