But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine.
– Thomas Jefferson, 1743 – 1826
#Dystonia Awareness Month – Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD)
Todays spotlight is on Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD)
PKD is also known as PxMD-PRRT2 (previously named DYT10), is characterized by episodes of dystonia and choreoathetosis that are triggered by sudden movements or when startled. Episodes usually last seconds or minutes. In some cases, as many as 100 episodes can occur in a single day; in others, as few as one a month may occur. In rare cases, jerky, flailing, or swinging movements (ballism) may also be seen. Some affected individuals may experience abnormal sensations (aura) in the affected area just before an attack occurs. The age of onset is usually in childhood or adolescence, but the disorder has been reported in individuals ranging from 4 to 57 years of age. PKD is caused by mutations in the PRRT2 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
You can find more info on Paroxysmal Dystonia and Dyskinesias from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada