Dystonia is best described as?

• A. A sustained involuntary contraction causing twisting and abnormal posture.
• B. Temporary loss of movement.
• C. Rapid alternating movements.
• D. Complete paralysis.

Answer: (A)

Dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions that persist or come in bursts, causing twisting movements and abnormal postures in one or more body parts. These contractions are not simply a lack of movement or a coordination hiccup; they create sustained, often painful, abnormal positions and can be worsened by voluntary action or stress. That description matches best. In contrast, a temporary loss of movement describes akinesia, rapid alternating movements point to another motor issue like cerebellar dysfunction, and complete paralysis is total loss of movement. So the sustained involuntary contractions with twisting posture best describes dystonia.