DYSTONIA SUPPORT GROUP OF CAIRNS

INAUGURAL MEETING

The Dystonia Support Group of Cairns will hold its inaugural meeting on Saturday, 24th February at 5 Compass Close, Edge Hill, Cairns. The Meeting will commence at 11.00AM, concluding no later than 1.30PM. Lunch provided. Sufferers, carers, family members are invited to attend. For further details please contact Sue Bayliss, 40324033 or email, s.j.bayliss@bigpond.com.au.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily. The involuntary muscle contractions cause twisting, repetitive and patterned movements as well as abnormal postures.

Spasmodic dysphonia, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, writers cramp, and early-onset dystonia are all different forms of dystonia.

Spasmodic dysphonia, also known as (aka) laryngeal dystonia, is a focal form of dystonia involving involuntary “spasms” of the vocal cords causing interruptions of speech affecting voice quality.

Cervical dystonia, aka spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by neck muscles contracting involuntarily, causing abnormal movements and posture of the head and neck. Spasms in the muscles or pinching nerves in the neck can result in considerable pain and discomfort.

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by increased blinking and involuntary closing of the eyes. People with blepharospasm have normal vision. Visual disturbance is due solely to the forced closure of the eyelids.

Writer’s cramp is a task-specific focal dystonia of the hand. Symptoms usually appear when a person is trying to do a task that requires fine motor movements. The symptoms may appear only during a particular type of movement, such as writing or playing the piano, but the dystonia may spread to affect many tasks.

Early-onset dystonia (idiopathic torsion dystonia, childhood-onset dystonia, generalized dystonia) usually starts in childhood or adolescence. Symptoms typically start in one part of the body, usually in an arm or leg and can eventually spread to the rest of the body, causing it to twist into unnatural positions. It is the most common hereditary form of dystonia, resulting in most cases, from the DYT 1 gene.

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.

If you would like to ask a question or leave a message please do so by clicking on 'comments' below. It is okay to remain anonymous. Alternatively, you are welcome to email me on
e-address above. As many of you know, sometimes I am a day late in getting back to you but I do return messages. It is good to hear from so many people. Thank you.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.