Abstract

Dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterised by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal movements, postures or both. Dystonia is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. Dystonia is often under-recognised in children, particularly in cerebral palsy, and frequently coexists with spasticity. This guide aims to simplify the approach to diagnosis, investigation and treatment of childhood-onset dystonia. The principle of treatment is similar regardless of the underlying aetiology: identification of potential triggers and consideration of both pharmacological and surgical options.