Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

Body jerks?
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Posted by: chaanz ®
10/08/2007, 13:32:10
I'm not sure if that is the correct term or not. I searched the archives for info but came up with none. Anyway, just recently (like today) when I was talking to a client here, I noticed my shoulders or even upper torso just sort of jerked, with no help from me. What's up with that? Is it somehow related to SD?



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Re: Body jerks?
Re: Body jerks? -- chaanz Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Hoarse Whisperer ®
10/08/2007, 20:42:35
It is estimated that about 10 percent of people with SD may go on to develop other types of dystonias. Some of the most common are hand dystonia, cervical dystonia (neck), and blepharospasm (eyes).

If you go to the very bottom menu on this bulletin board page, there are links to other boards -- Dystonia Bulletin Board, Blepharospasm Bulletin Board, and the
Musicians with Dystonia Bulletin Board.

Another place for great information is the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation website at www.dystonia-foundation.org.

Here is the definition of dystonia from their website:

What is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in use does not function properly. Opposing muscles often contract simultaneously as if they are “competing” for control of a body part. The involuntary muscle contractions force the body into repetitive and often twisting movements as well as awkward, irregular postures. There are approximately 13 forms of dystonia, and dozens of diseases and conditions include dystonia as a major symptom.

Hope this helps.

Lori
AB/SD and VCD since 2003
Dallas, Texas




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Drug-induced Dystonia
Re: Body jerks? -- chaanz Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Hoarse Whisperer ®
10/08/2007, 21:01:30
Here is more information from the DMRF website about how some drugs can cause dystonia.

Quick Facts about Drug-induced Dystonia:

A large number of drugs are capable of causing dystonia.

In most cases, people develop an acute dystonic reaction resulting after a one-time exposure. Symptoms may include intermittent spasmodic or sustained involuntary contractions of muscles in the face, neck, trunk, pelvis, and extremities.

Acute dystonic reaction symptoms are usually transient and may be treated successfully with medications.

Another type of drug-induced dystonia is called tardive dystonia.

Tardive dystonia is a form of tardive dyskinesia, which includes involuntary movements that resemble multiple movement disorders.

Tardive dyskinesias are neurologic syndromes caused by exposure to certain drugs, namely a class of medications called neuroleptics.

Treatment includes stopping the medication that triggered the symptoms. Substitute drugs may be recommended to replace neuroleptics.

Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, adrenergic antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial.

Lori
AB/SD and VCD since 2003
Dallas, Texas




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Re: Body jerks?
Re: Body jerks? -- chaanz Top of thread Archive
Posted by: JeannieO ®
10/10/2007, 17:24:30
I have a diaphragmatic dystonia in addition to my SD. (spasms of the diaphragm) My chest sort of jumps along with my shoulders at times. It's not constant like the SD, but seems to come and go on its own. What you are experiencing sounds a little like that. When it happens, my voice sounds almost like a stutter. Stay strong and positive. We're all here to support you.



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