Dystonia

Introduction: Dystonia is a clinically heterogeneous group of hyperkinetic movement disorders. Recent advances have provided a better understanding of these conditions with significant clinical impact.

Sources of data: Peer reviewed journals and reviews. PubMed.gov.

Areas of agreement: A recent consensus classification, including the assessment of phenomenology and identification of the dystonia syndromes, has provided a helpful tool for the clinical assessment. New forms of monogenic dystonia have been recently identified.

Areas of controversy: Despite recent advances in the understanding of dystonia, treatment remains symptomatic in most patients.

Growing points: Recent advances in genetics have provided a better understanding of the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved in dystonia. Deep brain stimulation has shown to improve focal and combined forms of dystonia and its indications are constantly expanding.

Areas timely for developing research: Growing understanding of the disease mechanisms involved will allow the development of targeted and disease-modifying therapies in the future.