Functional profile of patients with cervical dystonia: a series of cases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cervical Dystonia (CD) is a disease of the nuclei of the base and results in hyperkinetic movements, being the most common amongst focal dystonias. In addition, it can be defined by the presence of involuntary contractions involving the cervical musculature. OBJECTIVE: To make known the functional profile of patients with CD, offering a more focused foundation on the functional abilities of these patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out of patients attended at the Neuroscience Outpatient Clinic located in the Professor Francisco Magalhães Neto Ambulatory, Salvador, Bahia, from November to December 2017. RESULTS: Six patients were analyzed: 3 females and 3 males. Most patients presented initial symptoms after some trauma, low/moderate risk of falls, quality of life (LQ) negatively impacted by physical limitations, mild dependence and moderate pain. The main complaints related to social engagement were related to attending public places, due to the shame that they feel because of the involuntary movements, besides the impossibility of working caused by the pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The functional profile of patients with CD is still scarce in literature. In this study, the population with CD showed not only impacts on LQ due to physical factors, but, above all, by emotional and social factors, which makes a biopsychosocial approach indispensable to the assistance of these persons.