Use of chemodenervation in dystonic conditions.

Dystonia, an uncommon movement disorder that causes sustained muscle contractions and painful body positions, is a difficult diagnostic challenge; misdiagnosis is common. Classification may include etiology, area of physical involvement, or age of onset. Bodily distribution is varied, and dystonias can present as primary (genetic) or secondary (caused by other disease processes or use of neuroleptic drugs). Although there is no cure, the use of botulinum toxins for chemodenervation provides symptomatic relief and is considered the treatment of choice in focal dystonia. The dose of botulinum toxin may be titrated to provide significant relief for 12 weeks or more.