Treatment Options For Cervical Dystonia

Cervical dystonia occurs when the muscles in the neck go through an involuntary contraction, which causes the head to turn or twist to one side. The condition can also cause an individual's head to tilt backward or forward uncontrollably. Though the disorder is rare, it can occur in any person of any age. It is most likely to appear in middle-aged individuals, and women are more likely to develop the condition than men. The symptoms begin on a gradual basis and eventually progress to a peak in which they don't get worse. Once the symptoms reach their highest level, they tend to continue at that point. Cervical dystonia doesn't have a cure.

Sometimes, the disorder resolves without needing treatment, but it's uncommon for a patient to experience sustained remission. Get the details on the major treatments available for cervical dystonia now.

Oral Medication

Oral medication may be an option for some individuals, depending on the symptoms and exact circumstances surrounding the case. When oral medication is used, it's often utilized alongside injected medication. Many of the therapies are based on the symptoms. The goal is to relieve both pain and spasms and to return as much function to the muscles as possible. If an individual has cervical dystonia, they'll have to talk to a doctor about the treatment options that are right for them. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't officially approved any medications for use with cervical dystonia, but some are used off-label to help with symptoms. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that is sometimes prescribed to help mitigate spasms. However, it should be prescribed temporarily while other management techniques are developed, as long-term use can lead to dependency. Baclofen is another medication used to reduce muscle spasticity and pain. Some doctors will prescribe anticholinergic agents like trihexyphenidyl and benztropine or dopaminergic agents like levodopa as well.

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Certain Injections

The FDA has approved injections of botulinum toxin for cases of focal dystonia, which is dystonia that affects the head and neck. This neurotoxin is injected into the muscles affected by dystonia. It is extremely diluted, since undiluted doses are among the most toxic substances known to man. The medication prevents the nerves from sending contracture messages to the muscles, which in turn causes the muscle to become paralyzed and weak. It takes around two to three days for the effect to begin, and it reaches its peak about four weeks after the injection. Patients might experience relief from anywhere from two to six months before requiring another injection. Four different brands of botulinum toxin have received FDA approval for treating cervical dystonia. Each brand has a slightly different effect, so doctors should be well-versed in the effects of each before deciding which brand is right for their patient.

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