Why Is Dystonia Awareness So Important?
There is currently no cure for dystonia. In a DMRF Canada survey, we found that it took 63% of dystonia patients more than one year to receive a proper dystonia diagnosis. For 45% of those individuals, it took more than 4 years, and for 16% of those individuals, it took more than 10 years.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. The involuntary muscle contractions force the body into repetitive and often twisting movements as well as awkward, irregular postures. There are approximately 13 forms of dystonia, and dozens of diseases and conditions include dystonia as a major symptom.
Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Dystonia
Click Here to Watch a Video About People with Dystonia
The Cause of Dystonia
Categorizing dystonia by the cause is not a simple task and can easily get complicated because scientists have not yet identified the precise biochemical process in the body that triggers the symptoms. This is often referred to as the “mechanism” of dystonia, and it is suspected that this mechanism is common to all forms of dystonia. We do know that some dystonias can occur as a result of trauma, certain medications, and mutated genes. When describing dystonia by the cause, it may be characterized as primary, secondary, or dystonia-plus.
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Help Us To Spread Awareness of Dystonia
Dystonia Awareness Month is here! Use these posts to help us spread awareness about dystonia on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
- September is #dystoniaawarenessmonth. #Dystonia is the 3rd most common movement disorder and is commonly recognized by a body part twisted in an awkward position and repetitive muscle twitching, spasms, or cramps. Click to know more- bit.ly/2ZOvxc8
#DystoniaStrong #Dystoniamovesme #Dystoniamovescanada
- September is #dystoniaawarenessmonth. #Dystonia can be a symptom of #Parkinsons and many other conditions, but it also can be a disorder in itself. Click to know more- bit.ly/2ZOvxc8
#DystoniaStrong #Dystoniamovesme #Dystoniamovescanada - September is #DystoniaAwarenessMonth. Many people have never heard of #dystonia, an involuntary muscle contraction that causes painful, awkward postures. Click to know more- bit.ly/2ZOvxc8
#DystoniaStrong #Dystoniamovesme #Dystoniamovescanada - Did you know? That approximately 50,000 people in Canada are suffering from #Dystonia? Click to know more- bit.ly/2ZOvxc8
#DystoniaStrong #Dystoniamovesme #Dystoniamovescanada #DystoniaAwarenessMonth - September is #dystoniaawarenessmonth. Help us to spread #dystoniaawareness and advocate for more research and support. Visit www.dystoniacanada.org to learn more
#DystoniaStrong #dystoniamovescanada - I’m helping to raise awareness for #dystonia; a neurological condition that impacts 50,000 Canadians and their families. Visit www.dystoniacanada.org to learn more.
Images about Dystonia
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Resources and Support
DMRF Canada is happy to connect patients with support groups around the country. Click here to find a group near you.
Here are some additional resources -
- Resources for Patients with Dystonia
- Support for Parents and Caregivers
- Resources for Teens with Dystonia
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