Dystonia Rating Scale

Dystonia[edit | edit source]

Medically induced dystonia

Dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder in which involuntary contractions of muscles occur. It is characterised by sustained muscle contractions and abnormal trunk, neck, face, arms, and legs postures.[1] Dystonia Rating Scales (DRS) aim to evaluation the severity and distribution of motor symptoms and how they affect an individuals life. and also give a reference point for post-treatment evaluations. These tools provide an objective outcome, and need be accurate and of high quality.[2]

Dystonia Rating Scale[edit | edit source]

A task force that looked into DRS advocated the use of seven specific dystonia scales.

  1. One scale rating blepharospasm, the Blepharospasm Disability Index (BSDI)
  2. Two scales rating cervical dystonia , the Cervical Dystonia Impact Scale (CDIP-58) and the Toronto Western Spasmodic torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS)
  3. One scale rating blepharospasm and cervical dystonia, the Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire (CDQ-24)
  4. Two scales rating laryngeal dystonia, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Vocal Performance Questionnaire (VPQ)
  5. One scale rating generalized dystonia the Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (FMDRS). [2]

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Looking forward there is need for refinement of existing rating scales eg to include non motor features, and new outcome measures for dystonia's that currently have no rating scales eg. lower limb and trunk dystonia's. it is important to choose the most appropriate tool for dystonia subtypes, and training is recommended. Scales still need further research and development.[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Tarsy D, Simon DK. Dystonia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006 Aug 24;355(8):818-29.Available: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra055549(accessed 18.3.2023)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Albanese A, Sorbo FD, Comella C, Jinnah HA, Mink JW, Post B, Vidailhet M, Volkmann J, Warner TT, Leentjens AF, Martinez‐Martin P. Dystonia rating scales: critique and recommendations. Movement Disorders. 2013 Jun 15;28(7):874-83.Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207366/ (accessed 18.3.2023)