dystonia in adults - NICE guidance - suspected neurological conditions - recognition and referral
Last edited 05/2019 and last reviewed 04/2022
Posture distortion in adults
Summary points from NICE guidance relating to posture distortion in adults are:
Dystonia
- suspect cervical dystonia in adults who have persistent abnormalities of
head or neck posture, with or without head tremor, especially if the symptom
improves when the person touches their chin with their hand
- do not offer cervical imaging to evaluate suspected cervical dystonia in
adults
- be aware that dystonia in adults can affect other parts of the body (for
example, it can cause writer's cramp or in-turned posture of the foot)
- refer adults with suspected dystonia to have an assessment for diagnosis and possible botulinum toxin treatment
Dystonia as a side effect of medications
- be aware that antipsychotic and antiemetic medicines can trigger or exacerbate dystonia in adults
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