What is Dystonia? Dystonia Awareness Week 2014

At the time of this article it is Dystonia Awareness Week (May 3rd through May 11th 2014) and we are trying to spread awareness primarily through the educational and awareness outreach video we created and can be viewed below.

This article is not intended to go into depth but to provide the basics of dystonia and perhaps pave the path for future articles. In fact, my good friend and sufferer of dystonia Stasha Haynes may be guest blogging here on Doctor Scott in the future. She believes in the power of nutrition, natural healing and spirituality to heal and maintain her body from the ravages of dystonia. You can listen to and view her experiences via her videos on her YouTube channel youtube.com/stashahaynes.

Dystonia is a neurological disorder or condition where the brain improperly communicates to the muscles of the body. The condition causes involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. The body is forced into awkward and often painful movements and postures. It is a degenerative condition and currently has no cure.

Dystonia educational video

There are various forms or types of dystonia

Generalized Dystonia – Causes cramping and twisting in the feet, limbs and torso

Cervical Dystonia / Spasmodic Torticollis – Involuntary movements and postures in the neck

Oromandibular Dystonia – Involuntary movement in the face, jaw and/or tongue

Hand Dystonia / Writer’s Cramp – Causes the fingers to curl and the hand and forearm to cramp

Spasmodic Dysphonia / Laryngeal Dystonia – Contraction of vocal cord muscles

Blepharospasm – Uncontrollable blinking or eye closure

Dystonia resources

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

American Dystonia Society
http://www.dystoniasociety.org/

The Dystonia Society
http://www.dystonia.org.uk/

Personal experiences of individuals with dystonia

Dystonia and Me – Blog
http://dystoniaandme.com/

Stasha Haynes – YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/stashahaynes

Spread awareness through social media

Thunderclap for Dystonia
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/9777-dystonia-awareness-week

Dystonia blue ribbon profile badge

Use this profile badge on your social media accounts to help spread awareness for dystonia!