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New approaches in the treatment of the dystonias

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Summary

At this point the treatment of dystonias remains highly empirical. Secondary dystonias, especially those related to specific drug treatment, have to be ruled out carefully. A few dystonic subgroups respond well to levodopa medication. In the other syndromes, anticholinergics are the usual first choice. In focal conditions botulinum toxin injections seem to be the most effective regimen, although there are only a few long-term studies. Surgical procedures are an ultimate option.

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Abbreviations

PET:

positron emission tomography

CT:

computer tomography

MRI:

magnetic resonance imaging

HIV:

human immundeficiency virus

EMG:

electromyography

AIDS:

acquired immunodeficiency virus

PTH:

parathyroid hormone

DMD:

dystonia musculorum deformans

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Neurochirurgie der UniversitÄt Köln, Deutschland

    N. Diederich

  2. Neurological Department, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago

    C. G. Goetz & C. L. Comella

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  1. N. Diederich
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  2. C. G. Goetz
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  3. C. L. Comella
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Diederich, N., Goetz, C.G. & Comella, C.L. New approaches in the treatment of the dystonias. Klin Wochenschr 68, 935–941 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01646651

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