[Personality traits of Japanese patients with focal dystonia-Variable classification by affected body part and occupation].

We administered the Revised Neo Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) to 92 Japanese patients with focal dystonia and analyzed the relation of their personality traits, affected body parts, and occupations using a decision tree method. Results show that participants' personality traits were related to their occupation rather than the body part. Occupational dystonia patients including musicians exhibited neurotic tendencies and a high level of anxiety. Moreover, patients with occupational upper limb dystonia had realistic thinking patterns. Patients with musicians' dystonia were open about their emotional experiences: both positive and negative.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of a sample of Brazilian patients with primary dystonia and the impact of the new classification on their clinical evaluation / Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos de uma amostra de pacientes brasileiros com distonia primária e impacto da nova classificação em sua avaliação clínica

ABSTRACT Dystonia is a relatively common movement disorder but some of its epidemiological and clinical aspects have not been well characterized in Brazilian patients. Also, a new clinical classification for the disorder has been proposed and its impact on clinical practice is unclear. We aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of a Brazilian series of patients with primary dystonia, to estimate its local prevalence, and to explore the impact of using a new classification for dystonia. We identified 289 patients with primary dystonia over a 12-month period, of whom235 underwent a detailed evaluation. Patients with primary dystoniamade up one-sixth of all patients evaluated at the service where the study was conducted, with an estimated local prevalence of 19.8/100,000 inhabitants. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were similar to those described elsewhere, with blepharospasm as the most common focal dystonia and most patients using sensory tricks that they judged useful on a day-to-day basis. The application of the new classification was easy and simple, and the systematic approach allowed for a better clinical characterization of our patients. We recognized two dystonic syndromes that were not described in the original article that proposed the classification, and suspected that the arbitrary distinction between generalized and multifocal dystonia seems not to be useful for patients with primary dystonia. In conclusion, the prevalence and clinical characteristics of our patients were not distinct from other studies and the new classification was shown to be practical and useful to characterize patients with dystonia.

RESUMO A distonia é um distúrbio de movimento relativamente comum e alguns de seus aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos ainda não foram bem caracterizados em pacientes brasileiros. Além disso, uma nova classificação clínica para o transtorno foi proposta e seu impacto na prática clínica não é claro. Nosso objetivo é descrever as características clínicas e demográficas de uma série brasileira de pacientes com distonia primária, estimar sua prevalência local e explorar o impacto do uso de uma nova classificação para distonia. Foram identificados 289 pacientes com distonia primária (PDYS) durante um período de 12 meses, dos quais 235 foram submetidos a uma avaliação detalhada. Os pacientes com PDYS corresponderam a um sexto de todos os pacientes avaliados no serviço em que o estudo foi realizado, com uma prevalência local estimada de 19,8/100.000 habitantes. As características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes foram semelhantes àquelas descritas em outros locais, com o blefaroespasmo como distonia focal mais comum e a maioria dos pacientes apresentando truques sensoriais que julgaram úteis no dia-a-dia. A aplicação da nova classificação foi fácil e simples, e a abordagem sistemática permitiu uma melhor caracterização clínica de nossos pacientes. Reconhecemos duas síndromes distônicas que não foram descritas no artigo original que propôs a classificação e suspeitamos que a distinção arbitrária entre distonia generalizada e multifocal parece não ser útil para pacientes com PDYS. Em conclusão, a prevalência e as características clínicas de nossos pacientes não foram distintas de outras amostras e a nova classificação mostrou-se prática e útil para caracterizar pacientes com distonia.

Myoclonus-dystonia: classification, phenomenology, pathogenesis, and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present study will highlight recent advances in the field of myoclonus-dystonia with a focus on clinical aspects, pathogenesis, and treatment. We will also discuss genetics, classification issues, and diagnostic criteria. RECENT FINDINGS: Myoclonus-dystonia is a clinical syndrome corresponding to the phenotype linked to SGCE, the main causative gene. Childhood-onset myoclonus that predominates over dystonia with prominent upper body involvement, an absence of truncal dystonia, associated anxiety or compulsivity, and a positive family history are helpful diagnostic clues. Recent studies demonstrated that zonisamide is an interesting therapeutic option in myoclonus-dystonia, and that bilateral pallidal stimulation has major and lasting therapeutic effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that an alteration in cerebello-thalamic pathway function may play a prominent role and that this is possibly related to a GABAergic deficit reflecting Purkinje cell dysfunction. Impaired striatal plasticity and disturbed serotonin homeostasis may also be implicated. Newly available cellular and rodent models may further assist in investigating the pathogenesis of this disorder. SUMMARY: Comprehensive analysis of the phenotype and precise classification are important in patients with myoclonus and dystonia to identify homogeneous groups of patients. This is critical to guide tailored therapeutic strategies and promote effective research.

Psychodiagnostics: Classification of the Yips Phenomenon based on Musician's Dystonia.

PURPOSE: Similar to musician's focal dystonia, a task-specific phenomenon known as yips, has also been reported in professional athletes. Yips is usually described as focal dystonia, or choking under pressure, or as lying on a continuum between both. Based on the common occupational conditions across musicians and athletes, the present exploratory study aimed to investigate whether musicians diagnosed with focal dystonia and golfers affected with yips, can be similarly subclassified based on their psychological profiles. METHODS: Twenty healthy musicians, 20 musicians with focal dystonia, 20 healthy golfers, and 20 yips-affected golfers went through a test battery including three psycho-diagnostic standardized questionnaires (the Competitive Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Frost's Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and the Stress Coping Questionnaire), measuring trait cognitive and somatic anxiety, perfectionistic tendencies and different stress coping strategies. RESULTS: Findings based on a clustering procedure suggest that similar to musician's dystonia, yips-affected golfers can be classified into those with and those without specific elevated perfectionistic, stress and anxiety traits. The roles of these different psychological profiles as possible triggering factors of the yips are discussed and compared with those of musician's dystonia. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that the yips phenomenon might cover a broader range of different subtypes of movement disturbances than those already suggested in the literature. Finally, a theoretical model, which explains the role of the different triggering factors in the discrimination of the different subtypes, is suggested. A better classification and understanding of the different subtypes of yips could lead to a more accurate diagnosis and to the design of more individualized treatment intervention.

[The new tremor classification of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society : Update on frequent tremors]. / Die neue Tremorklassifikation der International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society : Update zu häufigen Tremores.

Tremor is one of the most frequent movement disorders. The recently published new classification of the Movement Disorder Society separates the clinical description of tremor syndromes as so-called axis 1 symptom constellations from the etiologies of tremor (axis 2). The same tremor syndromes can therefore be combined with different causes and vice versa. The terminology used in this classification is precisely defined and thereby also the necessary language for medical communication. Frequent tremor syndromes, such as enhanced physiologic tremor, dystonic and parkinsonian tremor as well as focal tremors and task and position-specific tremors are discussed with respect to the phenomenology, and current therapy.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of a sample of Brazilian patients with primary dystonia and the impact of the new classification on their clinical evaluation.

Dystonia is a relatively common movement disorder but some of its epidemiological and clinical aspects have not been well characterized in Brazilian patients. Also, a new clinical classification for the disorder has been proposed and its impact on clinical practice is unclear. We aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of a Brazilian series of patients with primary dystonia, to estimate its local prevalence, and to explore the impact of using a new classification for dystonia. We identified 289 patients with primary dystonia over a 12-month period, of whom235 underwent a detailed evaluation. Patients with primary dystoniamade up one-sixth of all patients evaluated at the service where the study was conducted, with an estimated local prevalence of 19.8/100,000 inhabitants. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were similar to those described elsewhere, with blepharospasm as the most common focal dystonia and most patients using sensory tricks that they judged useful on a day-to-day basis. The application of the new classification was easy and simple, and the systematic approach allowed for a better clinical characterization of our patients. We recognized two dystonic syndromes that were not described in the original article that proposed the classification, and suspected that the arbitrary distinction between generalized and multifocal dystonia seems not to be useful for patients with primary dystonia. In conclusion, the prevalence and clinical characteristics of our patients were not distinct from other studies and the new classification was shown to be practical and useful to characterize patients with dystonia.

Botulinum toxin for treatment of the focal dystonia.

Dystonia is defined as a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscles contraction causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures, or both. Dystonic movements are typically patterned and twisting, and may be tremulous. The precis diagnosis of dystonia is difficult for physicians because neurological brain imaging does not provide enough practical information. The diagnosis is depend on clinical experience of physicians. Botulinum toxin treatment is the accepted standard of care for patients with focal dystonia. Botulinum toxin treatment results in significant improvement of decreasing the symptom of dystonia. The success of treatment is dependent on muscle selection for treating involved muscles. Usually performance of botulinum toxin treatment is injected according to clinical experience of surface anatomy or clinical location method. However, the benefit of guidance of botulinum toxin treatment is improve outcome in dystonia. Injection techniques with ultra sound echogram or EMG guidance to identify dystonic muscles can be more benefit for patients.

Considerations in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for pediatric secondary dystonia.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of effective long-term medication treatment for secondary dystonias. In situations where significantly impairing secondary dystonias fail to respond to typical enteral medications and intrathecal (or even intraventricular) baclofen, consideration should be given to the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS). While Level I evidence and long-term follow-up clearly demonstrate the efficacy of DBS for primary dystonia, the evidence for secondary dystonia remains mixed and unclear. In this study, we report our experience with pediatric subjects who have undergone DBS for secondary dystonia. METHODS: We discuss the indications and outcomes of DBS procedures completed at our center. We also present a detailed discussion of the considerations in the management of these patients as well as a literature review. RESULTS: Of the four cases retrospectively examined here, all subjects experienced reductions in the severity of their dystonia (ranging from 0 to 100% on both the Barry-Albright Dystonia (BAD) and Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale-Motor (BFMDRS-M) scales). CONCLUSIONS: Pallidal DBS should be considered among children with functionally debilitating, medication-resistant secondary dystonia. Patients without fixed skeletal deformities who have experienced a short duration of symptoms are most likely to benefit from this intervention.

Recent developments in dystonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The dystonias are a family of related disorders with many different clinical manifestations and causes. This review summarizes recent developments regarding these disorders, focusing mainly on advances with direct clinical relevance from the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS: The dystonias are generally defined by their clinical characteristics, rather than by their underlying genetic or neuropathological defects. The many varied clinical manifestations and causes contribute to the fact that they are one of the most poorly recognized of all movement disorders. A series of recent publications has addressed these issues, offering a revised definition and more logical means for classifying the many subtypes. Our understanding of the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms responsible for different types of dystonias also has grown rapidly, creating new opportunities and challenges for diagnosis, and identifying increasing numbers of rare subtypes for which specific treatments are available. SUMMARY: Recent advances in describing the clinical phenotypes and determining associated causes have pointed to the need for new strategies for diagnosis, classification, and treatment of the dystonias.

The genetics of the dystonias--a review based on the new classification of the dystonias.

The definition and classification of the dystonias was recently revisited. In the new 2013 classification, the dystonias are subdivided in terms of their etiology according to whether they are the result of pathological changes or structural damage, have acquired causes or are inherited. As hereditary dystonias are clinically and genetically heterogeneous, we sought to classify them according to the new recently defined criteria. We observed that although the new classification is still the subject of much debate and controversy, it is easy to use in a logical and objective manner with the inherited dystonias. With the discovery of new genes, however, it remains to be seen whether the new classification will continue to be effective.

The genetics of the dystonias – a review based on the new classification of the dystonias / A genética das distonias – uma revisão baseada na nova classificação das distonias

The definition and classification of the dystonias was recently revisited. In the new 2013 classification, the dystonias are subdivided in terms of their etiology according to whether they are the result of pathological changes or structural damage, have acquired causes or are inherited. As hereditary dystonias are clinically and genetically heterogeneous, we sought to classify them according to the new recently defined criteria. We observed that although the new classification is still the subject of much debate and controversy, it is easy to use in a logical and objective manner with the inherited dystonias. With the discovery of new genes, however, it remains to be seen whether the new classification will continue to be effective.

O conceito e a classificação das distonias foram recentemente revisados. Na nova classificação de 2013, quanto à etiologia, as distonias podem ser subdividas em relação às alterações patológicas, aos danos estruturais, às causas adquiridas e à hereditariedade. Como as distonias hereditárias são clínica e geneticamente heterogêneas, buscamos classifica-las segundo os novos critérios estabelecidos recentemente. Observamos que apesar da nova classificação das distonias ainda ser objeto de discussões e controvérsias, ela pode usada com facilidade, de uma maneira lógica e objetiva, no contexto das distonias hereditárias. Com a descoberta de novos genes poderemos observar se essa classificação continuará sendo efetiva.

Isolated and combined dystonia syndromes - an update on new genes and their phenotypes.

Recent consensus on the definition, phenomenology and classification of dystonia centres around phenomenology and guides our diagnostic approach for the heterogeneous group of dystonias. Current terminology classifies conditions where dystonia is the sole motor feature (apart from tremor) as 'isolated dystonia', while 'combined dystonia' refers to dystonias with other accompanying movement disorders. This review highlights recent advances in the genetics of some isolated and combined dystonic syndromes. Some genes, such as ANO3, GNAL and CIZ1, have been discovered for isolated dystonia, but they are probably not a common cause of classic cervical dystonia. Conversely, the phenotype associated with TUBB4A mutations expanded from that of isolated dystonia to a syndrome of hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC syndrome). Similarly, ATP1A3 mutations cause a wide phenotypic spectrum ranging from rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism to alternating hemiplegia of childhood. Other entities entailing dystonia-parkinsonism include dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome (SLC63 mutations); dopa-responsive dystonias; young-onset parkinsonism (PARKIN, PINK1 and DJ-1 mutations); PRKRA mutations; and X-linked TAF1 mutations, which rarely can also manifest in women. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity also characterizes myoclonus-dystonia, which includes not only the classical phenotype associated with epsilon-sarcoglycan mutations but rarely also presentation of ANO3 gene mutations, TITF1 gene mutations typically underlying benign hereditary chorea, and some dopamine synthesis pathway conditions due to GCH1 and TH mutations. Thus, new genes are being recognized for isolated dystonia, and the phenotype of known genes is broadening and now involves different combined dystonia syndromes.

Psychological characteristics in musician׳s dystonia: a new diagnostic classification.

Numerous studies suggest that dysfunctional basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits are involved in both movement disorders and psychiatric impairments. The current exploratory investigation explored possible psychological differences, firstly between 24 healthy musicians (HM) and 24 musicians diagnosed with focal dystonia (FDM) (Study I), and secondly among 35 FDM patients only (Study II). Results revealed that FDM patients are six times more likely to exhibit elevated anxiety, perfectionistic and stress characteristics than HM. These psychological conditions might contribute as aggravating risk factors to the development of FDM. However, half of the FDM patients did not demonstrate any signs of anxiety, perfectionism or stress. The findings point to the clear existence of two different psychological profiles among FDM patients. We suggest that this psychological distinction might reflect two different mal-adaptive processes mediated via different circuits of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamicloops. The new classification of FDM patients will contribute to the reinforcement of the diagnostic repertoire, necessary for the selection of more specific treatment methods.

The impact and prognosis for dystonia in childhood including dystonic cerebral palsy: a clinical and demographic tertiary cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS: The impact of dystonia in childhood is poorly understood. We report our experience of referrals between 2005 and 2012. RESULTS: Of 294/315 assessable children, 15/294 had pure spasticity, leaving 279/294 with dystonia classified as primary (30/279:10.7%); primary-plus (19/279:6.8%) and secondary (230/279:82.4%) dystonia, including heredodegenerative dystonia (29/279:10.3%); 150/279 (53.7%) with cerebral palsy and 51/279 (18.2%) acquired brain injury. Definitive diagnoses were available in 222/294 (79.6%), but lower in primary/primary-plus compared with secondary groups (11/49 vs 211/230: Fisher's exact test p<0.0001). Spasticity comorbidity was present in 79/230 (34.3%) children. Median age (interquartile years) at referral was 9.75 (6.58-13), not significantly differing by aetiology (Kruskal-Wallis test p>0.05); dystonia-onset age was 3 (0.5-7.0) for primary/primary-plus and 0.25 (0.08-0.8) in the secondary/CP groups. Dystonia duration at referral was 4.75 years (3.0-10.33) for primary/primary-plus groups and 7.83 (5.4-11) in the secondary group. The mean (interquartile range) proportion of life lived with dystonia, derived as dystonia duration normalised to age was 0.68 (0.31-0.96); 0.59 (0.35-0.8); 0.75 (0.62-0.95)and 0.9 (0.92-0.99) for primary, primary-plus, heredodegenerative and secondary-static dystonias respectively. Only 91/279 (32.6%) experienced a period of normal motor development. Carers perceived dystonia deterioration in 168/279 (60.2%), stabilisation in 88/279 (31.5%) and improvement in 23/279 (8.2%). Dystonia occurred in 26/225 (11.6%) siblings: 14/26 secondary and 5/26 heredodegenerative dystonia. Comorbidities were identified in 176/279 (63.1%) cases. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III were commoner in primary/primary-plus (37/49: 75%) compared with secondary/CP (29/230:13%) cases, χ(2) p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: In this selective cohort, childhood dystonia is severe, presenting early before worsening without remission. Secondary dystonias spend a higher proportion of life living with dystonia and lower functional capacity. Despite referral bias, services offering neurosurgical interventions and health service planning agencies should understand the context and predicament of life with childhood dystonia.

Cervical dystonia: about familial and sporadic cases in 88 patients.

Cervical dystonia (CD) affects the musculature of the neck in a focal way or associated to other parts of the body. The aim of this study was to identify clinical differences between patients with dystonia patients without family history and with family history (sporadic). Eighty-eight patients with CD were recruited in a Movement Disorders Clinic between June of 2008 and June of 2009. Only patients with no etiological diagnosis were accepted for analysis. The age of onset of symptoms was later in patients with focal and segmental dystonia than in patients with generalized dystonia (p<0.001). The severity of symptoms was higher in patients with sporadic dystonia than in familial patients (p<0.01). Generalized cases were more severe in patients with a family history (p<0.01). Sporadic patients had higher levels of pain than familial cases (p<0.05). We expect soon to present the results of genetic analyzes of these patients.

Cervical dystonia: about familial and sporadic cases in 88 patients / Distonia cervical: consideracoes sobre casos esporadicos e familiares em 88 pacientes

Cervical dystonia (CD) affects the musculature of the neck in a focal way or associated to other parts of the body. The aim of this study was to identify clinical differences between patients with dystonia patients without family history and with family history (sporadic). Eighty-eight patients with CD were recruited in a Movement Disorders Clinic between June of 2008 and June of 2009. Only patients with no etiological diagnosis were accepted for analysis. The age of onset of symptoms was later in patients with focal and segmental dystonia than in patients with generalized dystonia (p<0.001). The severity of symptoms was higher in patients with sporadic dystonia than in familial patients (p<0.01). Generalized cases were more severe in patients with a family history (p<0.01). Sporadic patients had higher levels of pain than familial cases (p<0.05). We expect soon to present the results of genetic analyzes of these patients.

A distonia cervical (CD) afeta a musculatura do pescoço de modo focal ou em combinação com outras partes do corpo. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar diferenças clínicas entre pacientes com distonia com história familiar e pacientes sem história familiar (esporádicos). Foram selecionados 88 pacientes com DC no Setor de Distúrbios do Movimento entre julho de 2008 e junho de 2009. Somente os pacientes sem diagnóstico etiológico foram admitidos para análise. A idade de início dos sintomas foi mais tardia em pacientes com distonia focal e segmentar do que em pacientes com distonia generalizada (p<0,001). A gravidade dos sintomas foi maior em pacientes com distonia focal esporádicos do que naqueles com história familiar (p<0,01). Os casos generalizados foram mais graves nos pacientes com história familiar (p<0,01). Pacientes esporádicos tiveram níveis maiores de dor em relação aos casos familiares (p<0,05). Esperamos apresentar em breve resultados de análises genéticas desses pacientes.

Dystonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the classification, phenomenology, pathophysiology, and treatment of dystonia. RECENT FINDINGS: A revised definition based on the main phenomenologic features of dystonia has recently been developed in an expert consensus approach. Classification is based on two main axes: clinical features and etiology. Currently, genes have been reported for 14 types of monogenic isolated and combined dystonia. Isolated dystonia (with dystonic tremor) can be caused by mutations in TOR1A (DYT1), TUBB4 (DYT4), THAP1 (DYT6), PRKRA (DYT16), CIZ1 (DYT23), ANO3 (DYT24), and GNAL (DYT25). Combined dystonias (with parkinsonism or myoclonus) are further subdivided into persistent (GCHI [DYT5], SGCE [DYT11], and ATP1A3 [DYT12], with TAF1 most likely but not yet proven to be linked to DYT3) and paroxysmal (PNKD [DYT8], PRRT2 [DYT10], and SLC2A1 [DYT18]). Recent insights from neurophysiologic studies identified functional abnormalities in two networks in dystonia: the basal ganglia-sensorimotor network and, more recently, the cerebellothalamocortical pathway. Besides the well-known lack of inhibition at different CNS levels, dystonia is specifically characterized by maladaptive plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex and loss of cortical surround inhibition. The exact role (modulatory or compensatory) of the cerebellar-cortical pathways still has to be further elucidated. In addition to botulinum toxin for focal forms, deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment for generalized and segmental dystonia. SUMMARY: The revised classification and identification of new genes for different forms of dystonia, including adult-onset segmental dystonia, enable an improved diagnostic approach. Recent pathophysiologic insights have fundamentally contributed to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and impact on treatment, such as functional neurosurgery and nonpharmacologic treatment options.