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Dystonia - Definition

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Created: May 13, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to involuntarily contract, jerk or spasm. These involuntary muscle contractions may also result in forced repetitive and twisting movements or awkward, unnatural postures.

Focal dystonia is a general term for any form of dystonia that affects one area of the body such as the eyes, mouth, neck and hands.

There are many types of dystonia and it may affect a single body area or be generalized throughout multiple muscle groups. There is presently no cure for the disorder, but many treatment options exist and researchers continue to study this condition.

Some golfer's may experience dystonia as well. In this instance it is sometimes referred to as the yips.

Also Known As: The Golfer's Yips
Common Misspellings: distonia
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