Focal Dystonia
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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?
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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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Hubert Fernandez is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Fernandez is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. He is also highly rated in 44 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Tardive Dyskinesia, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Fernandez is currently accepting new patients.

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
Experience:
33+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Hyder Jinnah is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been practicing medicine for over 33 years. Dr. Jinnah is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Focal Dystonia, Torticollis, and Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Jinnah is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology, 1999.

 
 
 
 
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Distinguished in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Taylor A. Finseth
Neurology
Distinguished in Focal Dystonia
Dr. Taylor A. Finseth
Neurology

Aurora Neuroscience Innovation

2801 W Kinnickinnic River Pkwy, Ste 550, 
Milwaukee, WI 
414-385-8780
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Taylor Finseth is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Finseth is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Dystonia. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Camptocormism, Parkinson's Disease, Movement Disorders, and Conversion Disorder. Dr. Finseth is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry & Neurology.

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What are the latest Focal Dystonia Clinical Trials?
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: April 16, 2026
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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Safety and Effectiveness of Valbenazine as Adjunct Therapy to Botulinum Toxin Injections in Cervical Dystonia
Safety and Effectiveness of Valbenazine as Adjunct Therapy to Botulinum Toxin Injections in Cervical Dystonia
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 13, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: The most common form of idiopathic dystonia is adult-onset cervical dystonia (CD), a focal form of dystonia affecting the muscles of the neck. CD is often associated with pain and limited range of motion, and frequently leads to reduced quality of life and disability. Effective long-term treatment options are extremely limited. Recurring botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections can ease the symptoms...

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