Focal dystonia in my right hand

[harkkam]

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Guys if you know what focal dystonia is thats when your hand had trouble relaxing. I have a specific kind that my hand cramps up every time I am about to write otherwise it will be fine.

the doctor said to me that dystonia can appear in other body parts but exacerbated by excessive use and repetitive motion.

As a student looking into his options, would you consider dentistry a risky choice considering that I have a problem with my right hand and dentistry is working with your hands basically.

Just thought Id get my opinions from those in Dental school.

 

[Decan]

I don't think its a risky choice. I randomly get hand cramps too (from holding the handpieces for too long)...but for some of us that's just part of the process. One of my professors has told us to regularly do finger exercises to increase our finger/hand strength.

 

[jfitzpat]

I don't think its a risky choice. I randomly get hand cramps too (from holding the handpieces for too long)...but for some of us that's just part of the process. One of my professors has told us to regularly do finger exercises to increase our finger/hand strength.

Well actually there is a big difference between getting a normal hand cramp and having focal dystonia. Imagine getting a cramp fifteen seconds after picking up the handpiece....every time.....lasting until you put the handpiece down. That is what focal dystonia can do to a person. It is an abnormal, involuntary tension of the muscles that is caused by holding the hand in certain positions. It can be especailly bad in people who use the same hand motions on a regular basis, like musicians and dentists.

To the OP, I developed focal dystonia of the hand after starting dental schol and have been able to continue by getting botox injections in the active muscles. My first neurologist told me it was career ending and advised me to withdraw, which I did. After getting a second opinion and starting the botox treatments (very expensive), I was able to return and have been functional since then. My advice to you is that if you are currently not a dental student and have other options you are entertaining, maybe you should consider them. Focal dystonia can be very debilitating and make the use of your hands for dentistry impossible. Had I known about it prior to starting dental school, I'm not sure I would have started. All that being said, if you are called to dentistry and it is really what you want to do, it is possible to work around it (at least in my case).

 

[harkkam]

Thank you so much for reply. I agree. Focal dystonia is very difficult and I was offered botox injections as well. I played the guitar and have been for four years and I think doing that has caused it.

I wish you the best and I hope you are able to recover.

 

[dr37]

talk to some of the practicing dentists and discuss it with your physician..they should be able to guide you very well..