Title:Motor and Sensory Dysfunction in Musician's Dystonia
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Author(s): Florence C.F. Chang and Steven J. Frucht
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Botulinum toxin, cortical plasticity, dystonia, musician, rehabilitation, trihexyphenidyl
Abstract: Musicians’ dystonia is a task-specific and painless loss of motor control in a previously well-executed task. It is
increasingly recognized in the medical and musical community. Recent advances in neuroimaging, transcranial magnetic
stimulation and novel techniques in electroencephalography have shed light on its underlying pathophysiology. To date, a
deranged cortical plasticity leading to abnormal sensorimotor integration, combined with reduced inhibition across several
levels of the motor pathway are likely mechanisms.This paper reviews the various phenomenology of musician’s dystonia
across keyboard, string, brass, flute and drum players. Treatment is often challenging. Medical therapies like botulinum
toxin injection and rehabilitation method with sensorimotor training offer symptomatic relief and return to baseline
performance to some musicians.
