NEUROVEGETATIVE DYSTONIA (PAROXYSMAL)

Neurovegetative dystonia

Among the generalized dystonias, some peculiar neurological syndromes stand out, characterized by muscle contractions and involuntary spasms of the extrapyramidal system: the disorder in question is known as neurovegetative dystonia or, more commonly, paroxysmal. Considering this syndrome as a mere "dystonia" can sometimes be reductive, considering that in this group of kinetic disorders there are also athetosis, chorea, ballismus and cerebellar tremors, involuntary and uncontrolled movements of the muscles falling into the category of dyskinesias.

Incidence

Given the rarity of the condition, certain epidemiological data are still lacking; in any case, paroxysmal dystonias - which fall within the generalized dystonias, together with those of the infantile type - represent a strong stimulus for scientific research. Scientists are going to search for the gene involved in the manifestation of autonomic dystonias, in order to find a valid solution therapy. [taken from www.distonia.it]

Classification

The neurovegetative dystonias are classified into two large groups: they are symptomatic paroxysmal dystonia and primitive paroxysmal dystonia.In turn, each of the aforementioned categories is further cataloged in the genetic-familial and sporadic forms.
Again, autonomic dystonias, depending on the causes, duration and frequency, can be classified into:

Kinesigenic choreoathetotic paroxysmal dystonia: represents the most frequent type of autonomic dystonia and is a predominantly male disease. In this dystonia, the fingers of the hands are contracted, the eyes very open, wide open, the cheeks are tense, stretched as well as the eyelids: these conditions determine a strong expressive modulation; moreover, the subject feels tiredness, apathy, tension and paraesthesia (modulation of the sensitivity of the legs or arms).

Hypnogenic paroxysmal dystonia: epileptic form of the frontal lobes. The research has made great strides: the gene imputed in the manifestation of the dystonia under examination has been identified: it is a gene positioned at the level of chromosome 20q.13. The administration of antiepileptics is able to heal the patient.

Familial periodic ataxia (hereditary paroxysmal cerebellar ataxia): rare, potentially disabling syndrome, with autosomal dominant inheritance, sometimes characterized by dizziness, myochemias (spontaneous muscle spasms, more prolonged, although less rapid than fasciculations) or nysthage (tremor of the eyeball).

Paroxysmal choreoathetotic dystonia: the disease generally begins during the neonatal period, but in some cases it could arise at the age of 30. Rare and very unlikely the manifestation of the aforementioned autonomic dystonia after the age of 30; , arms, trunk and face, sometimes also associated with ocular deviations. Affected patients complain of tiredness, weakness, pseudo deafness and tingling. The spasms can occur as often as 20 times during the day.

Paroxysmal ataxia responsive to acetazolamide (ap-2): this dystonia is characterized by dizziness, dysarthria, nystagism, ataxia, nausea and vomiting. The frequency and intensity of symptoms vary greatly from person to person: in fact, in some cases, the "paroxysmal attack occurs only once during the year, in others, it is an even daily event, which could degenerate into vegetative symptoms. Generally, this neurovegetative dystonic form depends on metabolic pathologies, capable of compromising the subject's cognition It seems that patients with paroxysmal ataxia respond positively to acetazolamide, an antihypertensive active ingredient capable of reducing their symptoms.

Therapies

Some sedative pharmaceutical specialties are able to reduce the disturbances generated by neurovegetative-paroxysmal dystonia; in case of mild dystonia, some homeopathic or neuropathic remedies may be useful, but it will be up to the specialist to prescribe the most suitable therapy for the dystonic-paroxysmal patient.