What are the features and symptoms of torsional spasm?

Torsional spasticity is a common disorder in adolescents, with generalized dystonia as its typical manifestation. It is clinically manifested by violent, involuntary twisting of the neck, limbs, trunk, or even the whole body, with hyperextension or hyperflexion of the hands and feet, usually centered on the long axis of the body. The torsional movements are often very slow and recur intermittently. Characteristics of the onset of torsional spasm: Normally we complete a movement with one group of muscles contracting while the other corresponding group relaxes. In patients with torsional spasticity, this program of contraction and relaxation that the muscles follow consciously is disrupted and replaced by a continuous tense contraction of certain muscles, even in the quiet state. Patients with torsional spasticity commonly present with a head twisted to one side when standing, shoulders thrown back, one arm extended forward and one extended backward, both knees bent inward, both feet widely separated to maintain balance, or with inversion of the foot and inability to land completely on the bottom of the foot. When lying flat, the body will be bowed, relying on the shoulders and hips for support, and some can only lie prone on the bed. Over time, some muscles may become abnormally thick and joints may become contracted and deformed. The symptoms will disappear when the patient falls asleep. Surgical treatment of torsional spasm: It can occur at all ages. The symptoms often begin in one or both lower extremities and progress to widespread involuntary twisting movements and postural abnormalities, leading to severe functional impairment. In adults, the symptoms often begin in the upper extremities or trunk and progress to generalized dystonia in about 20% of patients. Doctors point out that there is no definite effective drug treatment for torsional spasm. If symptoms are significant and interfere with work and life, surgical treatment is performed, and the most effective is currently deep brain electrical stimulation (DBS) surgery, which benefits patients for life after surgery.