What is Acute Dystonia?

Acute Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by muscle spasms and stopping the body in odd positions that can be distressing and uncomfortable. The muscles spasms can be experienced for several seconds to several hours. The most common muscles that Acute Dystonia affects is the head, neck, and trunk (chest and stomach) but it can affect any muscle group in the body. Movement in your eyes and tongue can also occur and this reaction most commonly begins within 48 hours to 5 days of starting antipsychotic medication or increasing the dose. This movement disorder can be reversed by consulting with your clinician and lowering the dose or stopping the medication that is causing the movements. The symptoms of If you begin to experience any muscle spasms or stiffness, please report it to your clinician immediately so that you can be evaluated.

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