Pain in dystonia: investigating its role as a non-motor symptom with a focus on oromandibular dystonia

Background: Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by abnormal, repetitive movements or postures. Non-motor symptoms, including pain, depression and anxiety, significantly affect the quality of life of patients. However, studies investigating the prevalence and relationship of pain with other factors across different dystonia subtypes are limited. This study examines the presence of pain in dystonia and its relationship with sociodemographic factors, depression and dystonia severity, with a particular focus on the prevalence of pain in different dystonia subtypes. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 61 patients with dystonia. Collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, dystonia localization, pain occurrence and assessment scores for dystonia severity (Global Dystonia Severity Rating Scale), pain (Visual Analog Scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5, with p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The cohort (73.77% female, mean age 47.04 ± 14.04 years) included 85.24% idiopathic and 14.76% acquired dystonia cases. Pain was reported in 34.43% of patients, with the highest prevalence in oromandibular dystonia (80%). No significant associations were found between pain and age or dystonia severity. Pain was significantly more common in oromandibular dystonia and was strongly associated with depression (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pain is a prevalent symptom, especially in oromandibular dystonia, and is closely linked to depression. Comprehensive management of dystonia should consider both physical and psychological factors to improve patients’ quality of life. Given the limited studies on pain in dystonia, further research is needed in this area.

Cervical dystonia; Dystonia; Oromandibular dystonia; Pain

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