Contemporary management of cervical dystonia: the evolving role of physiotherapy
https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-2-42-46
Abstract
Cervical dystonia is a chronic neurological condition characterised by involuntary muscular contractions of the neck, resulting in abnormal head posture, pain, tremor, and a substantially diminished quality of life. Whilst the administration of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) remains the established gold-standard intervention, its transient efficacy, typically lasting between two to six months, presents a principal therapeutic limitation. This review provides a critical analysis of current treatment modalities for cervical dystonia, namely BoNT-A therapy, pharmacological management, deep brain stimulation (DBS), surgical interventions, targeted exercise regimens, and transcranial electrical stimulation. Particular emphasis is placed on the emerging field of non-invasive neuromodulation, specifically repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This promising approach may hold significant potential for prolonging the therapeutic benefits of BoNT-A through the targeted induction of neuroplastic changes within the cortical circuitry.
About the Authors
N. L. Silin
M. F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Silin Nikita L., physiotherapist at Depat of Rehabilitation Medicine
Moscow
V. F. Prikuls
M. F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Prikuls Vladislav F., Dr Med Sci (habil.), associate professor, head of Dept of Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy of the Faculty of Advanced Training
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Silin N.L., Prikuls V.F. Contemporary management of cervical dystonia: the evolving role of physiotherapy. Medical alphabet. 2026;(2):42-46. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-2-42-46
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