Writer's cramp, blepharospasm, and spasmodic torticollis are examples of which movement disorder?

• A. Dystonia
• B. Tics
• C. Chorea
• D. Athetosis

Answer: (A)

Dystonia is a movement disorder defined by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or twisting movements. Writer’s cramp, blepharospasm, and spasmodic torticollis are classic focal examples of dystonia, each affecting a specific body part: the hand during writing, the eyelids, and the neck, respectively. The hallmark is involuntary contractions that produce visible postures or repetitive movements, often task-specific or worsened by intentional activity or stress.

In contrast, tics are sudden, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that can often be suppressed briefly; chorea involves quick, irregular, dance-like movements; athetosis features slow, writhing movements. These patterns help distinguish them from dystonia’s characteristic sustained or patterned contractions.