Article

Musician's dystonia is a task-specific movement disorder, which
manifests itself as a loss of voluntary motor control in extensively trained
movements. In many cases, the disorder terminates the careers of affected
musicians. Approximately 1% of all professional musicians are affected. In the
past, focal dystonia (FD) was classified as a psychological disorder. Over time,
the problem was classified as a neurological problem.
Although the specific
pathophysiology of the disorder is still unclear, it appears the etiology is
multifactorial. While there may be a family history, neurophysiological,
physical, and environmental factors, trauma and stress contribute to the
phenotypic development of FD. This manuscript analyzes the evidence supporting
the potential contribution of the emotional brain systems in the etiology of
focal hand dystonia in musicians. In addition, the psychological findings from a
large descriptive study comparing healthy musicians, musicians with dystonia, and
musicians with chronic pain. Information about psychogenic characteristics might
be used to modify intervention strategies and music instruction to reduce the
incidence of musician's dystonia.

Langue : ANGLAIS