Is Dystonia Hereditary? 

Dystonia — a movement disorder that causes muscles to contract uncontrollably — affects a quarter of a million Americans. These contractions can lead to twisting movements, abnormal postures, and discomfort. It can affect just one body part (like the neck or hand) or many areas at once.

Our team of experts at Link Neuroscience Institute offers advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), to help you achieve lasting relief.

What causes dystonia?

Dystonia can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary.

Primary dystonia

Primary dystonia means that another condition hasn’t caused your dystonia.

Some primary dystonias are hereditary, while others are not. For example, early-onset primary dystonia is often linked to a genetic mutation in the DYT1 gene. Early-onset primary dystonia typically causes symptoms in childhood or early adulthood. 

However, not all primary dystonias have a genetic cause. Certain types, like task-specific dystonias — such as writer’s cramp, which is a type of focal dystonia — may develop without any family history or identifiable genetic mutation. 

That’s why a full neurological evaluation is important to understand the root cause and guide treatment.

Secondary dystonia

Secondary dystonia develops as a result of injury, stroke, medication side effects, or other neurological diseases.

Secondary dystonia usually isn’t hereditary itself — it’s caused by an underlying condition or injury rather than a genetic mutation. 

For example, stroke and traumatic brain injury can lead to secondary dystonia. While some risk factors for these conditions (like high blood pressure or clotting disorders) may have a hereditary component, others — such as physical injury — are typically related to external events, not genetics.

How is dystonia treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your dystonia. Options may include:

• Medications to help relax muscles or block nerve signals
• Botox® injections to reduce muscle spasms in targeted areas
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and manage pain

For those who don't respond to these therapies, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be a life-changing option.

How deep brain stimulation helps with dystonia

Link Neuroscience Institute offers DBS for people with moderate to severe dystonia. During the procedure, your Link Neuroscience Institute provider uses MRI technology to locate the specific area in the brain responsible for abnormal muscle activity. Electrodes are placed with precision and connected to a small device (a generator) implanted in your chest.

This device delivers gentle electrical impulses to regulate brain activity. DBS is adjustable and reversible, and many people experience significant improvements in muscle control and quality of life. You can even turn the device on or off as needed.

So, is your dystonia hereditary?

Let’s go back to our titular question: Is dystonia hereditary? Sometimes — but not always. At Link Neuroscience Institute, our first goal is to determine what's causing your dystonia. 

In many cases — especially secondary dystonia — we focus on treating the root cause. Whether your condition is related to a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or something else, we’re here to help. From primary to secondary dystonia, hereditary or not, our team offers advanced treatment options, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other cutting-edge therapies.

To get started, schedule a consultation with a neurologist or interventional neurologist here in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California. 

You can also call the location of your choice directly.