botox for dystonia

[warden63]

I posted a question here about botox, the dr responded to my question, and confirmed my fears of what it will and can do..I have cervical dystonia, my right fingers, the last 2 are stuck, and so is my neck, right side..my gp wants me to have botox, but i already have swallowing difficulties, and the injection can add to it..I am seeing a physiotherapist right now, is there any information I can give her to help me get my neck muscles moving again??? I really do not want the botox.. I am on xanax, baclofen, codine contin, for pain, and zoplicon for sleeping. My specialist tried me on artane, but that was a horrible experience...any sujestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Warden

[Dr Santos]

Hi Warden,

Biofeedback is a technique in which people are trained to improve their health by learning to control certain internal bodily processes. These processes occur involuntarily, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and skin temperature.

These activities can be measured with electrodes and displayed on a monitor. The monitor provides feedback about the internal workings of the body and then can be taught to use this information to gain control over these "involuntary" activities. There are different forms of biofeedback therapy:  Electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension; Thermal biofeedback, which measures skin temperature; and  Neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain wave activity. Talk to your doctor about this. Take care and regards.

[warden63]

Thank you very much for your helpful information. I havent seen the neurologist yet, I see him nov 3rd. I am seeing a physiotherapist, but not many specialsists are informed about dystonia here. My physiotherapist, is trying to figure out what she can do for me, since she is afraid because of my neck being stuck. We are working on stress management, but right now, the most important thing, is to figure out ho to get my neck muscled to loosen, so I can get back to work. This has been so for over a month now. Any suggestions that I could give to my therapist, would be greatly appreciated..As for biofeedback, I am uncertain to what that is, could you clarify this for me also. Thank you so much for your help. Warden

[Dr Santos]

Hi Warden,
How are you? Were you able to see a neurologist? If you are not comfortable with botox, inform your doctor about this. What could be effective in one may not be as effective in another. There are other management options for dystonia, including:surgery, physical therapy, stress management and even Biofeedback  therapy.  Talk to your doctor about this.

Take care and do keep us posted.