Dystonia.

[INTRODUCTION] Dystonia is a clinically heterogeneous group of hyperkinetic movement disorders. Recent advances have provided a better understanding of these conditions with significant clinical impact.

[SOURCES OF DATA] Peer reviewed journals and reviews. PubMed.gov.

[AREAS OF AGREEMENT] A recent consensus classification, including the assessment of phenomenology and identification of the dystonia syndromes, has provided a helpful tool for the clinical assessment. New forms of monogenic dystonia have been recently identified.

[AREAS OF CONTROVERSY] Despite recent advances in the understanding of dystonia, treatment remains symptomatic in most patients.

[GROWING POINTS] Recent advances in genetics have provided a better understanding of the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved in dystonia. Deep brain stimulation has shown to improve focal and combined forms of dystonia and its indications are constantly expanding.

[AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH] Growing understanding of the disease mechanisms involved will allow the development of targeted and disease-modifying therapies in the future.