[Clinical aspects and therapy of dystonias]

Dystonia is characterized by slow, repetitive, involuntary, often twisting movements leading to sustained abnormal postures and can be focal or generalised. In most cases, etiology remains unrevealed, some cases are hereditary, others have metabolic origin or can be attributed to focal brain lesions. The most common types of dystonia, spasmodic torticollis and blepharospasm, can now be treated successfully, albeit symptomatically, with Botulinum toxin injections into the affected muscles. A practical guide to differential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is presented.