Learn About Focal Dystonia

What is the definition of Focal Dystonia?
Focal task-specific dystonia (FTSD) is a movement disorder that is localized to a specific part of the body. The dystonias are a group of movement problems characterized by involuntary, sustained muscle contractions, tremors, and other uncontrolled movements. FTSD interferes with the performance of particular tasks, such as writing, playing a musical instrument, or participating in a sport. Additionally, FTSD has been reported in tailors, shoemakers, hair stylists, and people who frequently type or use a computer mouse. While the abnormal movements associated with focal dystonia are usually painless, they can cause high levels of anxiety. The causes of focal dystonia are unknown, although the disorder likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is possible that the different forms of FTSD have different underlying causes. Researchers have found that at least some cases are related to malfunction of the basal ganglia, which are structures deep within the brain that help start and control movement. Most cases of focal dystonia are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the condition in their family. However, at least 10 percent of affected individuals have a family history which seems to follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
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What are the alternative names for Focal Dystonia?
  • FTSD
  • Focal dystonia
  • Focal, segmental or multifocal dystonia
  • Task-specific dystonia
  • Focal task specific dystonia
  • Task-specific focal dystonia
Who are the top Focal Dystonia Local Doctors?
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Dr. Joseph Jankovic
Neurology | Psychiatry
Elite
Highly rated in
40
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Neurology
Psychiatry

Baylor McNair - Allergy

Houston, TX 

Joseph Jankovic is a Neurologist and a Psychiatrist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jankovic has been practicing medicine for over 49 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. He is also highly rated in 40 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Parkinson's Disease, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Benign Essential Blepharospasm, and Torticollis. He is board certified in Neurology and licensed to treat patients in Texas. Dr. Jankovic is currently accepting new patients.

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Dr. Cynthia L. Comella
Neurology
Elite
Highly rated in
23
conditions
Neurology

University Neurologists

Chicago, IL 

Cynthia Comella is a Neurologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Comella has been practicing medicine for over 42 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Torticollis, Focal Dystonia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Parkinson's Disease. She is licensed to treat patients in Illinois.

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Dr. Aasef G. Shaikh
Neurology
Elite
Highly rated in
16
conditions
Neurology

UH Cleveland Medical Center

Cleveland, OH 

Aasef Shaikh is a Neurologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Shaikh has been practicing medicine for over 22 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Torticollis, Focal Dystonia, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Brown Syndrome. He is board certified in Neurology and licensed to treat patients in Ohio. Dr. Shaikh is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Focal Dystonia Clinical Trials?
Characterization of Clinical Phenotypes of Laryngeal Dystonia and Voice Tremor
Status: Not yet recruiting
Start Date: March 1, 2022
Intervention Type: Other
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Summary: The researchers will systematically evaluate current and novel clinical voice assessment tools and measures to elucidate distinct clinical phenotypes of those with laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor.
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Investigations of Pathophysiology of Dystonia
Status: Recruiting
Start Date: December 12, 2017
Intervention Type: Device
Phase: Not Applicable
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Summary: Background:~Little is known about the problems in brain function in focal hand dystonia (FHD) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) dystonia. It is unclear why some CRPS patients develop dystonia but others do not. Researchers want to learn which area of the brain is involved in CRPS dystonia compared with FHD.~Objectives:~To understand why people with CRPS develop dystonia, and if these reason...
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What are the Latest Advances for Focal Dystonia?
The Effect of Low Dose OnabotulinumtoxinA on Cervical Dystonia in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Condition: Cervical Dystonia in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Journal: Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements (New York, N.Y.)
Treatment Used: Low Dose OnabotulinumtoxinA
Number of Patients: 3
Published: November 10, 2021
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Summary: This case series evaluated the effect of low dose OnabotulinumtoxinA injections for cervical dystonia in the treatment of patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Low-Dose Neubotulinum Toxin A versus Low-Dose Abobotulinum Toxin A Injection for the Treatment of Cervical Dystonia: A Multicenter, 48-Week, Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Crossover Design Study.
Condition: Cervical Dystonia (CD)
Journal: Toxins
Treatment Used: Low-Dose Neubotulinum Toxin A vs. Low-Dose Abobotulinum Toxin A Injection
Number of Patients: 52
Published: October 22, 2021
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Summary: This study evaluated the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of low-dose neubotulinum toxin A (Neu-BoNT-A) versus low-dose abobotulinum toxin A (Abo-BoNT-A) in the treatment of patients with cervical dystonia.
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Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Non-Motor Symptoms in Cervical Dystonia.
Condition: Cervical Dystonia (CD)
Journal: Toxins
Treatment Used: Botulinum Toxin (BoNT-A)
Number of Patients: 0
Published: September 26, 2021
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Summary: This study assessed the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in the treatment of patients with cervical dystonia (involuntary neck movements; CD).
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