Blog

Movement Disorders specialist, Natalie Diaz, MD, opened the Los Angeles Dystonia Zoo Day on October 1st, 2022 to promote awareness of dystonia and connect the dystonia community through the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF).

Cervical dystonia is a localized, or focal, form of a neurological condition called dystonia. It is a very common movement disorder that affects mostly the muscles of the head and neck.

Many of our patients tell us that prior to being seen by us, their symptoms were dismissed by physicians or other providers. Because many movement disorders show no abnormalities on blood testing or imaging, patients are often told that there is “nothing wrong” and that they should learn to “live with it.”

September is dystonia awareness month. Cervical dystonia is a painful condition that affects the neck and causes the head to tilt to one side, or causes the head to tremble. People often think that this is due to muscular issues but actually cervical dystonia is a neurological dysfunction caused by misfiring nerves. Discover answers from movement disorders specialist, Dr. Melita Petrossian, to 7 everyday questions about cervical dystonia.

This month, the Pacific Movement Disorders Center is focused on boosting awareness of dystonia. Take an in-depth tour of dystonia and find out what you need to know about this group of neurological disorders.