Focal Dystonia Overview

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Learn About Focal Dystonia

View Main Condition: Movement Disorders

What is the definition of Focal Dystonia?
Focal dystonia is a disorder of the neurological system that causes muscle contractions in one area of the body, such as the face, vocal cords, neck, jaw, fingers, wrists, hands, or feet. Task-specific focal dystonia is a type of dystonia that causes muscle contractions in areas of the body associated with specific tasks, such as writer’s cramp.
What are the symptoms of Focal Dystonia?
Symptoms of focal dystonia depend on the affected area. Focal dystonia commonly affects the eyelids, jaw, tongue, neck, vocal cords, hand, or forearm but can occur in other areas. Symptoms of focal dystonia may progress, stay the same or stop, and then recur. The initial symptom of focal dystonia may be reduced muscle coordination, such as dropping things. As focal dystonia progresses, symptoms may include muscle pain, twitching muscles, muscle cramps, and abnormal postures of the affected area. Secondary symptoms of focal dystonia may include fatigue, trouble focusing, blurred vision, mood swings, depression, short temper, and difficulty sleeping.
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What are the current treatments for Focal Dystonia?
Treatment for focal dystonia may include lifestyle changes; physical therapy; occupational therapy; speech therapy; massage; stretches; medications, such as trihexyphenidyl, tetrabenazine, carbidopa/levodopa, clonazepam, valium, Baclofen, benzodiazepines, and Botulinum toxin injection; or surgery, such as deep brain stimulation or selective denervation.
Who are the top Focal Dystonia Local Doctors?
Hubert H. Fernandez
Elite in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez
Neurology
Elite in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez
Neurology

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

9500 Euclid Avenue, 
Cleveland, OH 
216-444-2200
Languages Spoken:
English
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Hubert Fernandez is a Neurologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Fernandez is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. His top areas of expertise are Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Fernandez is currently accepting new patients.

Hyder A. Jinnah
Elite in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Hyder A. Jinnah
Neurology
Elite in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Hyder A. Jinnah
Neurology

Emory Brain Health Center

12 Executive Park Drive Northeast, 
Atlanta, GA 
404-778-3444
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Hyder Jinnah is a Neurologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jinnah is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. His top areas of expertise are Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Focal Dystonia, Torticollis, and Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Jinnah is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk
Distinguished in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk
Neurology
Distinguished in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk
Neurology

Duke Neurology Morreene Road

932 Morreene Rd, 
Durham, NC 
919-668-2879
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk is a Neurologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Bukhari-Parlakturk is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. Her top areas of expertise are Focal Dystonia, Movement Disorders, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Parkinson's Disease. She is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry/Neurology, Neurology. Dr. Bukhari-Parlakturk is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Focal Dystonia Clinical Trials?
Evaluation of Supplemental Zinc as an Adjunct to Prolong the Duration of Benefit After Botulinum Toxin Injections in Subjects With Cervical Dystonia
Evaluation of Supplemental Zinc as an Adjunct to Prolong the Duration of Benefit After Botulinum Toxin Injections in Subjects With Cervical Dystonia
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 11, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if supplemental zinc can prolong the duration of benefit of botulinum toxin injections in cervical dystonia patients receiving care at the University of Florida. The main aims are: 1. To evaluate the efficacy of zinc citrate supplementation in prolonging the duration of symptom relief provided by botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in cervical d...

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The Effects of Different Vibro-tactile Stimulation Intensities on Head Posture in Cervical Dystonia
The Effects of Different Vibro-tactile Stimulation Intensities on Head Posture in Cervical Dystonia
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 11, 2025
Intervention Type: Device
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: The primary goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effects of cervical vibrotactile stimulation intensity on abnormal head posture in people with cervical dystonia. The main question is: Does higher vibration intensity correct head posture to a greater extent than lower vibration intensity? Researchers will compare the head posture of participants with cervical dystonia who receive differen...

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