dystonica muscularum

Last reviewed 04/2022

Dystonica musculorum describes intense sustained spasm of proximal and trunk muscle that may cause bizarre stepping or bowing of the trunk.

The condition usually presents in childhood, starting in the foot and spreading to involve the whole body.

There are two inherited forms:

  • an autosomal recessive form, commoner in Ashkenazi Jews
  • an autosomal dominant form, with a later onset