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Focal hand dystonia in musicians: a synopsis
A B M Rietveld1, J N A L Leijnse
1Medical Centre for Dancers & Musicians, Medical Centre of The Hague (MCH), loc. Westeinde, Lijnbaan 32, 2512 VA, The Hague, The Netherlands. MCDM@MCHaaglanden.nl
Clinical Rheumatology
|March 22, 2013
Summary
Focal hand dystonia in musicians (FHDM) is a rare disorder affecting musicians. This study explores its diagnosis, treatment, and proposes a central motor control loss hypothesis, recommending further research into combined therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Music Medicine
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Focal hand dystonia in musicians (FHDM), or 'musicians' cramp', is a task-specific, pain-free disorder.
- It causes abnormal movements in the hands during musical instrument playing.
- Diagnosis and effective therapies for FHDM are limited, with its exact cause remaining unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present clinical experience with the diagnosis and treatment of FHDM.
- To propose an aetiology hypothesis for musicians' cramp.
- To recommend future research directions for FHDM management.
Main Methods:
- Synopsis of clinical experience in diagnosing and treating FHDM.
- Review of existing literature on central nervous system roles and motor pattern relearning.
- Formulation of an aetiology hypothesis based on central motor control and peripheral factors.
Main Results:
- FHDM is characterized by unintentional, abnormal movements specific to musical tasks.
- A proposed hypothesis suggests FHDM results from a loss of central motor control due to failed compensatory mechanisms for peripheral hand disturbances.
- Current research trends emphasize the central nervous system and motor relearning.
Conclusions:
- Further prospective research is recommended for FHDM.
- Investigate the efficacy of operative peripheral therapy combined with central motor pattern relearning.
- Explore the contributions of neuropsychological factors in FHDM.
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