How To Treat Dystonia

Medications That Target Certain Neurotransmitters

Dystonia patients may need to take medications that work to treat the disorder by targeting certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow a nerve impulse to jump from one nerve to the next nerve or junction. Certain medications involving neurotransmitters can calm the impulses that cause the affected muscles to excessively contract in dystonia patients. These medications typically target gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and acetylcholine neurotransmitters. Some of these medications called benzodiazepines work by raising the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the individual, which causes excessive muscle relaxation.

Other medications called anticholinergics work to treat dystonia by inhibiting acetylcholine release into the muscles, effectively inhibiting the neurotransmitter from triggering muscle contractions. A medication called levodopa works by increasing the levels of dopamine in individuals affected by a form of dystonia caused by a malfunction in the production of dopamine by the brain. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication utilized to treat specific individuals who have dystonia caused by an injury or trauma to their central nervous system.

Stretching Or Massage

Individuals affected by the focal variation of dystonia may be able to manage their symptoms with the use of stretching or massage. Focal dystonia is limited to a specific group of muscles in the body. Focal dystonia commonly causes problems with muscle movement in the patient's neck, mouth, jaw, hands, eye, tongue, or voice. Several massage methods, including deep tissue therapy and myofascial release, can be helpful for tissues around the muscle that have become tight and stiff.

Massage also helps an affected individual with the aspect of not just physical, but also mental relaxation. Dystonia can cause a patient's muscles to become fatigued quickly from unintentional muscle overuse. To counteract the muscle fatigue that occurs in dystonia patients, stretches along with other exercises can be utilized to help strengthen the affected muscles. Joint soreness that has resulted from dystonia due to deterioration of joint components can also be alleviated with the use of stretching exercises and massage.