Guide To The Symptoms Of Dystonia

Trouble Swallowing

Oromandibular dystonia patients could have trouble swallowing, and this might make it difficult to eat and speak. It is common for patients with this form of dystonia to have trouble opening and closing the mouth. Some patients with this condition only have symptoms when they are trying to talk or eat. For others, symptoms could also occur at rest. Patients might experience more severe symptoms like worsening trouble swallowing during times of stress or fatigue.

To manage the swallowing difficulties caused by oromandibular dystonia, doctors may recommend botulinum toxin injections and speech therapy. The botulinum toxin injections are administered into specific muscles that control the movement of the mouth. Before the injections are given, doctors may perform an electromyography test to identify the specific muscles that need treatment. Speech and language therapists can teach patients mouth and swallowing exercises designed to reduce the risk of choking. When these exercises are performed regularly, they may help the patient eat and chew more easily.

Frequent Blinking

Frequent blinking is one of the most common symptoms of eye dystonia (blepharospasm). Patients with this condition might also experience twitching around the eyes that does not go away, and they may be sensitive to sunshine and bright lights. Their eyelids could feel heavy and tired. Some individuals could notice a feeling of dryness in the eyes that does not resolve with the standard treatments for dry eyes. The frequent, uncontrollable blinking associated with this form of dystonia generally worsens when the patient is stressed or tired.

To confirm a diagnosis of blepharospasm, the patient will normally need to be examined by an ophthalmologist who specializes in this condition, and a neurological examination might be necessary as well. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will likely be offered botulinum toxin injections to weaken the muscles responsible for the uncontrollable blinking. Some individuals with this condition find it helpful to wear dark glasses, and facial acupressure may be useful.