How To Treat Dystonia

Selective Denervation Surgery

When an individual's cervical dystonia does not respond to other methods of dystonia treatment, selective denervation surgery may be considered. Selective denervation surgery works by disrupting the nerve impulse pathways causing a patient's abnormal movements. One of several mechanisms can be used to sever specific nerves close to the spinal cord that channel to the nerve roots located deep in the patient's neck. Another mechanism of selective denervation surgery involves the careful selection of certain nerves to be removed at the junction where they enter into the muscles affected by the abnormal contractions.

The surgeon uses electromyography technology to direct and help them identify the muscles involved in the individual's dystonia during selective denervation surgeries. This type of surgery has shown to be successful at treating some symptoms of dystonia that affect an individual's neck muscles, but only highly specialized institutions offer the procedure. A small number of cervical dystonia patients are eligible for the procedure, and extensive physical therapy is required following the denervation surgery.

Yoga

Some forms of yoga can be helpful to individuals living with dystonia. Yoga is a type of meditation and exercise blend that focuses on flexibility, strength, and balance. It is beneficial for an individual to increase the flexibility of the muscles being affected by abnormal contractions because it helps manage pain and promotes muscle relaxation. Muscles may also become shortened due to tension caused by dystonia. Yoga can help loosen and lengthen the affected muscles so the individual can regain a healthy posture. The muscle movements that occur in dystonia can cause a patient's body to become off-centered.

Yoga helps with strengthening the muscles responsible for supporting an individuals alignment of lateral and upright posture. Yoga also helps dystonia patients regain their balance if they have lost it as a result of their condition. Yoga also guides an individual through meditation, which can be helpful to those frequently stressed because of their dystonia.