What term describes involuntary muscle spasms and twisting of the limbs?

What term describes involuntary muscle spasms and twisting of the limbs?

• A. Bradykinesia
• B. Dystonia
• C. Akinesia
• D. Dyskinesia

Answer: (B)

Dystonia is the term for involuntary muscle contractions that produce twisting postures or repetitive movements. When muscles twitch or contract inappropriately, they can cause the limbs to twist or assume abnormal positions, which is the classic description of dystonia. This differentiates it from bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and akinesia (difficulty initiating movement) often seen in Parkinsonian syndromes. Dyskinesia is a broader umbrella for abnormal movements, but dystonia refers specifically to the sustained or intermittent contractions that cause twisting and abnormal postures. So the described symptoms best fit dystonia.

Dystonia is the term for involuntary muscle contractions that produce twisting postures or repetitive movements. When muscles twitch or contract inappropriately, they can cause the limbs to twist or assume abnormal positions, which is the classic description of dystonia. This differentiates it from bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and akinesia (difficulty initiating movement) often seen in Parkinsonian syndromes. Dyskinesia is a broader umbrella for abnormal movements, but dystonia refers specifically to the sustained or intermittent contractions that cause twisting and abnormal postures. So the described symptoms best fit dystonia.