Practical management of dystonia

The diagnosis of dystonic movements is based on the phenomenologic characteristics of the movements themselves. Therefore to evaluate and manage the patient, it is important to be cognizant of the varied clinical appearances; to classify the type of dystonia according to age at onset and distribution of the movements; to determine its etiology; to treat with specific therapy if available; and to reduce the symptoms, if therapy is not available. These steps are the focus of this article.