A pressing question for many people with dystonia is Will I pass dystonia onto my children and grandchildren?The answer to this question depends greatly on the form of dystonia and what is currently known about the genetics of that form. There are genetic forms of dystonia that we know can be inherited, forms that are apparently not inherited, and forms that may or may not be inherited—scientists simply don’t know yet
If your dystonia is the result of trauma, exposure to medications, or a stroke then it is not likely to be genetic and your children and grandchildren will in all likelihood be dystonia-free. Dystonia can be a symptom of many genetically inherited diseases, and the chances of passing along those diseases depends on the inheritance patterns of those conditions
If you have a form of dystonia that is known to be genetic—especially if other people in your family have symptoms—then there is a chance that you may pass the disorder on to your children. At present researchers have recognized multiple forms of dystonia that can be inherited genetically and have identified at least 13 genes or chromosomal locations responsible for the various forms
The forms of dystonia for which genes or gene markers have been identified include early onset generalized dystonia, dopa-responsive dystonia, paroxysmal dystonias, x-linked dystonia-parkinsonism, myoclonic dystonia, and rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism. However, as we will discuss below, not everyone who inherits a “dystonia gene” will develop symptoms, and some people develop dystonia that is believed to be genetic without any family history
Scientists are actively seeking additional dystonia genes. Studying the genetics of dystonia will not only help refine diagnostic and reproductive technology applications, but it also contributes greatly to our understanding of dystonia and quest for better treatments and a cure
