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Dystonia gravidarum: a new entity?
Erle Chuen-Hian Lim1, Raymond Chee-Seong Seet, Einar P V Wilder-Smith
1Division of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore. mdcelch@nus.edu.sg
Summary
Cervical dystonia, a rare condition, was observed in a pregnant woman and successfully treated with clonazepam. The symptoms resolved by the second trimester, highlighting a potential new association with pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with various neurological conditions like chorea and restless legs syndrome, often linked to hormonal changes.
- Dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, has not been previously described as a de novo condition during pregnancy.
Observation:
- A case of cervical dystonia is reported in a 31-year-old primigravid Chinese woman presenting at 4 weeks of amenorrhea.
- The patient had no prior history of neurological disorders or structural/biochemical abnormalities explaining the dystonia.
Findings:
- Low-dose clonazepam effectively ameliorated the cervical dystonia symptoms.
- The condition resolved completely by the second trimester of pregnancy and did not recur even after tapering benzodiazepine therapy.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between cervical dystonia and pregnancy, which should be considered in women of reproductive age.
- The successful management with clonazepam provides a therapeutic option for pregnant individuals experiencing this condition.
- Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms linking dystonia and pregnancy.