LymeNet Flash: Cramping or dystonia?

This is topic Cramping or dystonia? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Piercethedrk (Member # 5415) on :

so what exactly is the difference? I'm confused.

Posted by TheCrimeOfLyme (Member # 4019) on :

One is cramping

The other is dystonia.

Posted by RECIPEGIRL (Member # 5884) on :

Hi,
My father has spasmodic torticollis (dystonia) of the neck. The head would pull to one side constantly; no let up. It's been very painful for my dad. They used to call it wryneck.

There are different types & varying degrees of severity of dystonia. The head can even pull backwards.

I knew this young girl who walked around with her head all the way back & looking up. I was used to seeing my father's neck, but had never seen anything so sad as this young girl. It was awful.

They're using Botox in some cases. Dystonia can also cause spasmodic dysphonia of the voice. This is kind of a strangling of the vocal cords and the voice sounds strained & gravily. It's exhausing to speak; my dad has that, too. Now they can inject Botox in the larynx.

I've tried to convince my Dad to get the Botox for his voice, but he'll never do it.

Hope this helps explain dystonia a little.
Take Care,
Jan