Think Neuro Mini: What is Dystonia? with Dr. Natalie Diaz

Think Neuro

Dystonia is a mysterious condition that causes muscles to contract involuntarily. It can strike many parts of the body, making the head turn, the eyelids close, or the hand twist. We don’t know what causes dystonia. It can arise after head trauma or a stroke, and it often appears in conjunction with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cure, but experts like Dr. Natalie Diaz, a neurologist at PNI, can ease the symptoms with medication. A treatment you may not expect: Botox. A natural toxin, Botox prevents the release of a neurotransmitter that causes the muscles to contract. After an injection, dystonia sufferers very often find that their symptoms dissipate, and that is a welcome relief from this strange, discomforting disease.