6 Early Warning Signs of Dystonia You Shouldn't Ignore

Dystonia is a condition that you shouldn’t ignore. While it’s easy to shrug off the early warning signs and say, “It’s probably just a muscle spasm. I’m sure I’m fine,” it’s important to get checked out. 

This is because dystonia could potentially be a sign of another serious medical condition. Also, in many cases, it will only get worse. 

At Delaware NeuroRehab, we’re committed to helping people with brain injuries and abnormalities, especially when they start to affect daily life. 

We will provide you with the best care and determine the reasons you’re experiencing dystonia so that you can start to feel more like yourself again. 

6 early warning signs of dystonia 

1. Muscle spasms beginning in one area of the body 

It’s common to shrug off a muscle spasm and to tell yourself you overworked the area. But if you notice you’re dealing with muscle spasms in the neck, face, or arm, these are all common signs of dystonia. And as such, there is no guarantee the symptoms will stop here. 

You might notice the sudden onset of spasms in other areas of the body, too, such as toes curling when you don’t want them to, eyes shutting suddenly, or problems speaking. 

If any of these issues occur, see us immediately.

2. Spasms showing up or worsening during stress or exhaustion 

In some cases, especially with early dystonia, tremors can become worse if you’re feeling stressed or overly tired. You may notice more spasms during this time. 

Those who experience consistent tremors of any kind, especially if they’re concentrated to certain parts of the body, should seek a diagnosis. 

3. Spasms presenting or worsening during repetitive movements 

Many types of dystonia show up when a person has used that part of the body repeatedly, especially as part of a career. 

For example, musicians may experience cramps and spasms in one hand when they play their instrument of choice, but not when writing out a grocery list. Writers can also experience hand spasms, and athletes may experience leg spasms.

4. Pain

In most cases, dystonia symptoms are painful. You may notice the muscles contract into a strange position, or the spasms may feel like getting electrocuted, causing pain throughout the body. If this is the case for you, it’s time to stop ignoring the problem.

5. Spasms that spread to other body parts 

It’s paramount that you get a diagnosis no matter where the tremors start, but for some, they may begin in one area of the body and spread to another. 

When this occurs, the involuntary movements often increase in frequency and don’t seem isolated to a certain behavior, like writing or running. They may even occur when the body is at rest. 

6. A family history of certain illnesses

Some conditions are inherently tied to dystonia. The latter can be a symptom of a larger disease, and many of these are genetic. 

This condition is called acquired dystonia, and being aware of your predisposition toward any of these conditions is important when diagnosing the problem. Some of the most common genetic conditions that cause dystonia are: 

• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis 

If you know these illnesses run in your family, it’s important to see us right away. This is especially necessary if you begin noticing signs of dystonia in adulthood. 

Many of these conditions, when caught early, will yield better results with treatment and long-term management. 

What do I do if I think I have dystonia? 

The best thing you can do is visit a clinic like ours. We’re available to provide you with the necessary diagnostic tests to determine what may be causing your dystonia and how best to proceed. 

The process of managing this condition is often very individualized and may include options like botulinum toxin injections, physical therapy, and deep-brain stimulation.  

Our offices in Dover, Lewes, and Newark, Delaware, are available for appointments. Simply call or book through our online portal today.