Dystonia / Spasticity

Dystonia:

In the neurological movement disorder focal dystonia, interaction between the activation and relaxation of the various muscle groups involved in a movement is disturbed. Muscle tensions (muscle contractions) occur which affect only individual muscles or muscle groups and cannot be voluntarily controlled by patients. Because of these involuntary muscle tensions, the person concerned adopts a cramped, unnatural posture of the body or head. Twisted neck and eyelid spasm are common neurological movement disorders.

Spasticity:

Spasticity is a movement disorder associated with a pathologically increased muscle tone. This creates stiffness and resistance to passive movement (the word ‘spasm’ originates from the Greek word, ‘spasmos’, which means to drag or pull). The frequently or constantly increased muscle tone leads to muscle stiffness; overall mobility might become limited. Painful body postures can occur and the quality of life is reduced. Spasticity is caused by disturbances to the central nervous system. Damages or defects in the spinal cord area or the brain can lead to spasticity. The most frequent causes of this condition are stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as early childhood brain damage, cerebral inflammation or brain tumors. Post-stroke spasticity usually occurs a few months after the actual stroke event.