Can dystonia be properly treated in my 65-year-old mother?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother is 65 and was recently diagnosed with dystonia, mainly affecting her neck and shoulders. The stiffness and involuntary pulling movements are now making everyday activities difficult for her.

Can dystonia be effectively treated in older adults at 65, or do doctors mainly focus on symptom management? She is worried that she started treatment ‘too late’ to see meaningful improvement.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and am sorry your mother is going through this.

Dystonia (a neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms) can be very frustrating and exhausting, especially dystonia of the neck and shoulders, which can get in the way of comfort, sleep, and mobility. There is, however, hope that therapy at the age of 65 will make a significant difference and that many senior citizens have success even though they have had symptoms for some time already. The therapy does not usually result in a cure but helps alleviate the symptoms.

However, this doesn’t mean that improvement is limited or unlikely. For cervical dystonia (a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions in the neck) involving the neck muscles, one of the most effective treatments is Botulinum toxin injections, which can substantially decrease involuntary pulling movements, stiffness, pain, and abnormal postures in many patients.

In addition to this, physical therapy, stretching exercises, posture correction, stress reduction techniques, and sometimes oral medications could be considered too. Medical practitioners would also consider looking into any potential underlying factors since dystonia could also be linked to medication use, neurological disorders, or metabolic disorders.

It is not true that treatment that starts later in life could not help. Most individuals who are diagnosed with dystonia much later in life also find relief with proper treatment.

I hope my answer helps you.

If you need any further clarification or help, just ask.

Thanks.