An Unusual Sensory Trick in A Case of Cervical Dystonia

Abstract

Dystonia is characterized by sustained involuntary muscle contractions. Typical signs of dystonia include sensory tricks or geste antagonists. Here, we report an unusual sensory trick in a case of cervical dystonia. A 40 years-old male patient admitted with involuntary contractions involving neck and left shoulder, started one month after dental procedures and use of dentures. He had to get the dentures removed but involuntary contractions persisted. All involuntary movements were blocked by soft massage movements over the region where the dental implant was removed from and reappeared when he stopped. Light touch as a sensory trick in cervical dystonia, like in our patient is not uncommon but the localization is very atypical. It might have two reasons: other cervical dystonia patients may not think of such a strange manoeuvre or previous dental procedures likely triggered dystonia and tactile stimulation of the same pathway probably provides central adaptation.