In this type of Dystonia, the symptoms are caused by damage to small areas of the brain.

The Dystonia is degmental, generalised or hemidystonia. The damage can be caused by reduced oxygen around the time of birth or utero (Cerebral Palsy), by other injury to the brain or small strokes or tumours. Secondary Dystonia usually results from apparent outside actors such as exposure to certain medications, trauma, toxins or infection.

Secondary Dystonia is a movement control problem and is not uncommon after damage has occurred in the area of the brain called the Basal Ganglia. It is a movement problem that can occur after brain injury and refers to repetitive twisting, abnormal posturing or locking in” to positions by the body or a body part such as the neck, mouth, trunk or a limb. It is caused by abnormal signals from the brain to the muscles.

These wrong messages result in sustained muscle contractions. Secondary Dystonia is made worse with voluntary movement. At rest and when asleep the muscles are relaxed and appear normal. It may sometimes become more pronounced or more entrenched over time which can cause loss of motor skills. Severe Dystonia can lead to pain, joint damage and deformity.

Secondary Dystonia is a rare condition and our precious miracle baby girl Michaela Sky appears to have symptoms of this condition at this given time and place. Our daughter has a strong threshold for pain, she embraces life to the fullest and is determined to walk, dance and carry out all the great and wonderful facets of life which we take for granted. Michaela Sky continues on carrying out her activities at home, school and play, just like any eight year old girl would do. Wendy and I continue to nurture and focus on our precious daughter’s abilities and not her disabilities.