A unifying motor control framework for task-specific dystonia

Anna Sadnicka, Katja Kornysheva, John C Rothwell, Mark J Edwards

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Task-specific dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by a painless loss of dexterity specific to a particular motor skill. This disorder is prevalent among writers, musicians, dancers and athletes. No current treatment is predictably effective, and the disorder generally ends the careers of affected individuals. Traditional disease models of dystonia have a number of limitations with regard to task-specific dystonia. We therefore discuss emerging evidence that the disorder has its origins within normal compensatory mechanisms of a healthy motor system in which the representation and reproduction of motor skill are disrupted. We describe how risk factors for task-specific dystonia can be stratified and translated into mechanisms of dysfunctional motor control. The proposed model aims to define new directions for experimental research and stimulate therapeutic advances for this highly disabling disorder.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)116-124
Number of pages9
JournalNature Reviews Neurology
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dystonic Disorders/etiology
  • Humans
  • Learning/physiology
  • Motor Skills/physiology

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