Dystonia occurs when there is damage to parts of the brain that regulate the smooth interplay between pairs of muscles. The muscles affected produce torsion/twisting movements. Dystonia is exacerbated by anything that increases muscle tone, e.g. anxiety, pain (the movements themselves can produce pain).
How to Help:
Assisting the person to relax will help reduce muscle tone e.g. good support, reassurance, rest periods. Those assisting the person should provide reassurance and try to reduce levels of anxiety and distress. Referral to a Consultant Neurologist may be helpful.