Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0026838 (spasticity)
 6,471 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Dystonia is an interesting disorder characterized by involuntary movement of the body part or parts leading to abnormal deformed postures. The usual signs and symptoms are local pain, spasm and abnormal movements. Sensory trick is an important clinical phenomenon and is characteristic of dystonia. It is usually separated from other movement disorders such as chorea, athetosis, tics and myoclonus clinically. Various non-dystonic conditions simulate dystonia and need to be separated in view of different line of management. Improved understanding in molecular biology has helped in understanding of the disease. Confusing neuropathology and neurochemistry have deterred the finding of an effective drug, however empirical use of few drugs have improved the gloomy situation. Few conditions such as dopa-responsive dystonia have definite treatment. Recently use of botulinum toxin has provided beneficial response in hyper muscular contraction states such as dystonia and spasticity, Surgery and other non-medical therapies are effective in few situations.
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PMID:A spectrum of dystonias-clinical features and update on management. 1127 44

Medical treatment of childhood-onset dystonia can lead to substantial improvement of the condition, often with much more pronounced benefit than in adults. The authors give every patient a trial of levodopa to assess the possible diagnosis of dopa-responsive dystonia, followed-up with centrally acting anticholinergics such as trihexiphenydil. If needed, baclofen or clonazepam is added or substituted. In focal dystonia or segmental and generalized dystonia with prominent involvement of specific muscle groups, botulinum toxin injections are often used. Pallidal deep brain stimulation is offered to selected patients with medically refractory dystonia. Treatment of secondary dystonias, caused by such conditions as Wilson's disease, requires therapy for the underlying disorder. Physical therapy, splints, and occupational therapy can be useful in some patients. The authors do not use intrathecal baclofen unless there is evidence of accompanying spasticity.
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PMID:Torsion Dystonia in Children. 1279 Nov 96