Dystonia

[Lanell]

A neurological movement disorder affecting about 1% of the population. Incorrect signals from [the brain] cause muscles to [contract] and [spasm] involuntarily.

[Becky]

A rare neurological disorder often [trigged] by [the seasonal flu] shot. [Dystonia] has gotten recent attention in the media due to the 26 year old woman who is unable to walk forwards without stumbling and making jerking movements. She is unable to walk normal unless she is running...talk about a one in a million chance!

[Luis Fok]

A state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture, typically due to neurological disease or a side effect of drug therapy.

[Dianne]

Dystonia is characterized by long-lasting (sustained) involuntary muscle contractions that may force people into abnormal positions—for example, causing the entire body, the trunk, limbs, or neck to twist.

Dystonia may result from a genetic mutation, a disorder, or a drug.
Muscles in the affected part of the body contract, distorting the position of that body part, and stay contracted for many minutes to hours.
Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms and results of a physical examination.
The cause is corrected if possible, but if not, drugs, such as mild sedatives, levodopa plus carbidopa , and botulinum toxin, may help relieve symptoms.

(See also Overview of Movement Disorders.)