dystonia

i was recently told that i have dystonia , is it ok to drive, i am on med. for this and can feel it coming on , what is your view on this thank you

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling now?
Dystonia are involuntary, sustained deviation in posture about one or more joints. Postures attained are often bizarre, with forceful extensions and twisting. Dystonia may be generalized or focal (e.g., spasmodic torticollis, blepharospasm).
If you feel that you are having that dystonic posture in spite of being on medicines, then it is safe not to drive at all.
Symptoms may respond to high doses of anti-cholinergics, benzodiazepines, Baclofen, and anticonvulsants. Local injection of botulinum toxin is effective in certain focal dystonias.
Hope this helps.
I would be interested to know the progress.
Bye.

[mommyofnathan]

What does it feel like?  My son also has dystonia in combination with other medical problems.  He is unable to talk.  It would help tremendously if I could know what it feels like.

[emmd]

i've been  diagnose of having dystonia since 2003 and i' m taking madopar 250mg and rivotril 2mg for six years now is there any alternative medicine for my dystonia? is it possible that i can be cured for my dystonia so that i can walk normally as well as my neck back into normal position?

[brinabrauny]

It depends on you.  At first before I was on the right medicine I could not drive.  I could and still can always tell before the muscle spasm will start so if I know I am going to have one I don't drive.  If I have had a big day and done lots, I don't drive.  The first  weeks before the medicine kicked in and I got on an even keel i couldn't drive.  If I am out like I was last week, and felt the muscle spasms coming on I take another pill and wait til it passes or head home instead of finishing the errands.  Sometimes I just have to take a pill and wait it out.  You just need to be your own judge.  I started out slow and didn't drive far at first.  Driving at night I here is worse, because the flashing lights cause spasms so try to stick to day driving.

[dragonburps]

I was diagnosed with Dystonia last December after suffering very painful muscle spasms for about 2 years. Currently I take Benztropine... 3 a day with either a Clonazepam or a Baclofen when I have a spasm. I never go any where without a heating pad either, it helps a lot. I have general Dystonia from my shoulders down. The DMRF has helped me better understand the disorder and I have a wonderful neurologist. I have recently started having hand tremors which my neuro said he expected only not so soon. Apparently I am progressing faster than he thought I would.

[amanda43623]

Will dystonic reaction show up on an mri? My mom's dr just gave up on her cause her eeg was normal and he don't know what to do or anyone who does and yet he fails to even try to research it??? Maybe an mri will help