Dystonia

Dystonia occurs when the brain sends unwanted signals to muscles, causing them to contract involuntarily. Dystonia can sometimes create extreme discomfort, and if left untreated, can cause joint damage and muscular disfigurement in the limbs. Dystonia may be a result of brain injury, or underlying genetic conditions.

Treatments

There are several treatments available for dystonia in children, and it is very important that children with dystonia are brought to a medical professional as soon as they show symptoms. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health offers several treatments for dystonia in children, including botulinum toxin injections and a variety of oral medications. In some cases, deep brain stimulation can also be an effective treatment option for children with dystonia. Deep brain stimulation involves inserting a sort of pacemaker for the brain, which helps to regulate the signals the brain sends to the muscles. We also offer genetic testing and genetic counselors to help get to the root cause of the dystonia.