Dystonia musculorum deformans: three cases treated on a rehabilitation unit

Dystonia musculorum deformans is a rare involuntary movement disorder of unknown etiology. We treated three brothers in one family on our rehabilitation unit, resulting in definite improvement in their ability to walk and control the dystonic movements, and in their speech and swallowing. All three benefited from orthoses to prevent equinovarus and maintain ankle stability. Intense concentration, such as needlepoint, seemed to reduce the amount of extra motion. Performing another activity during dystonic movements, such as pointing to a communication board, also seemed to give some relief. A special seating system using a collapsible wheelchair, a low center of gravity, and antitip wheels reduced one brother's frequency of falling. Swallowing finely cut foods was not a problem with any of our patients, although one had to be instructed in a special technique. An electronic communication board was very helpful. Our success in these cases should encourage others working in rehabilitation to consider such patients and to apply the principles of rehabilitation, particularly the total team approach, in their care.