Dystonia

At first, muscle spasms come and go, so you may blink your eyes, grind your jaw, move your arms, or make other motions

Later, the affected muscles may stay in spasm so part of your body is stuck in one position

Dystonia happens when there's overactivity in the parts of your brain that control your muscles

Dystonia can be inherited or caused by brain disorders or by some medicines

Doctors will treat the cause of your dystonia and may prescribe pills or injections to help relax your muscles

Overactivity in the parts of your brain that control your muscles

A problem with a gene you inherit from your parents

Brain disorders such as cerebral palsy Cerebral Palsy Cerebrum (cerebral) is a medical word for the large part of the brain that controls muscles. Palsy is a problem moving muscles. CP is a brain condition that affects the muscles. It makes muscles... read more , multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes multiple scars on nerves in your brain and spinal cord. These scars keep the nerves from working properly. You may have vision problems, strange sensations... read more , or a stroke Stroke A stroke is a sudden brain problem that happens when a blood vessel in your brain either gets blocked or breaks open and bleeds. Part of your brain stops getting blood. Brain tissue that doesn't... read more

Certain medicines

A long-lasting muscle cramp

Eyelid, usually starting as extra blinking, eye discomfort, or extreme sensitivity to bright light

Neck muscles, causing a twisted, painful neck ("wry neck")

Vocal cords, causing changes in your ability to speak or the quality of your voice

Face muscles, which may include uncontrolled blinking, jaw grinding, and odd facial expressions

Any muscle you overuse—for example, the fingers of a professional pianist

CT (computed tomography) scan Computed Tomography A CT scan uses a large machine shaped like a large donut to take x-rays from many angles. A computer then takes the x-rays and creates many detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Each... read more

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is a test that uses a machine with a powerful magnet to make pictures of the inside of your body. A computer records changes in the magnetic field around your body. The computer then uses... read more

Medicines, including nerve-blocking medicines and mild sedatives (medicine to relax your body and help you sleep)

Botulinum toxin shots (Botox®) into the stiff muscle, which will relax it

Physical therapy Physical Therapy (PT) Physical therapy, a component of rehabilitation, involves exercising and manipulating the body with an emphasis on the back, upper arms, and legs. It can improve joint and muscle function, helping... read more

Sometimes deep brain stimulation (small electrodes placed in your brain to ease repeated muscle cramps)