Causes of dystonia

Dystonia with no obvious cause, orcaused bya genetic mutation, is known as primary dystonia. If dystonia is a symptom of another condition, it's known as secondary dystonia. Primary dystonia Most people with primary dystonia don't have an identified cause. A minority of cases are associated with genetic mutations, which usually begin in childhood. There are currently over 12 types (or sub-types) of dystonia linked to genetic mutations, including generalised dystonia, dopa-responsive dystonia and paroxysmal dystonia. This means if you have one of these abnormal genes, there's a one in two chance your children will inherit that gene and develop dystonia. Secondary dystonia Secondary dystonia, also known as acquired dystonia, can have a wide range of causes, including: Parkinson's disease a neurological condition caused by the lack of a neurotransmitter called dopamine Huntingtons disease a genetic condition thatcan lead to psychiatric problems and difficulties with behaviour, feeding, communication and abnormal movements Wilsons disease a genetic condition that leads to a build-up of copper in the bodys tissues multiple sclerosis a condition caused by damage to the nervous system cerebral palsy a condition caused by brain damage that occurs before or soon after birth certain medications such as antipsychotics (used to treat certain mental health conditions) or anticonvulsants (used to treat epilepsy ) whichcan cause dystonia in a small number of people infections such as HIV or encephalitis injury to the skull or spine brain tumours stroke a serious medical condition, where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off poisoning such as carbon monoxide poisoning