Atherton Tablelands & Cairns Dystonia Support Group

plans a movement disorders promotional/educational dinner for Far North Queensland's medical practitioners and allied health people in April 2008.

World Voice Day, 16th April 2008 is the date set for the above mentioned function. Watch out for more information as we confirm the venue and details for the event.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily. Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson's Disease and tremor. Nonetheless, dystonia is often misunderstood by the public and misdiagnosed by medical doctors. Dystonia is neither a psychological disorder, nor does it affect intellect. Dystonia is not fatal, but it is a chronic disorder that causes varying degrees of disability and pain, from mild to severe.

Although not commonly acknowledged it is interesting to note, Dystonia is at least as common as Multiple Sclerosis.

Focusing on movement disorders in general, the promotional/educational dinner provides opportunity for our local health community to meet, hear and ask questions, with treating neurologists and specialist nurse consultants from Brisbane and Sydney. In addition to our Southern guests, some of our local allied health people are speaking and available for questions as panel members.

Members of our Atherton Tablelands and Cairns Dystonia Support Group are now planning presentations for the evening in consultation with our guest speakers.

If you would like to make a suggestion or know more about this event, please leave a comment or email me (s.j.bayliss@bigpond.com.au). I will get back to you. All highlighted links in this article will take you to more detailed information about dystonia and other movement disorders.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.