Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge use of information taken from The Parkinson’s Disease Society (UK) information sheet ‘Muscle Cramps and Dystonias '.
You will need to try a variety of sensory ‘tricks’ to see what works for you as dystonia affects each individual differently.
Spasms may be reduced by touching the affected part of the body either before or during any movement known to trigger dystonia. Although this may not prevent or stop a spasm, touching can distract the brain and reduce the length and intensity of the muscle contractions.
Simple massage, or the use of a hot water bottle or heated pad can also help, as can movement and exercise.
For eye spasms, some people find lying down, singing, yawning, laughing, chewing, putting pressure on the eyebrows or just talking can help, whilst spasms in the vocal chords can respond to yawning or sneezing.
It requires 30 muscles to raise your eyebrows – that’s a lot of muscle if they start to spasm.
