Focal dystonia is a neurological condition affecting a muscle or muscles in a part of the body causing an undesirable muscular contraction or twisting. For example, in focal hand dystonia, the fingers either curl into the palm or extend outward without control. This is caused by misfiring of neurons, causing the contractions. Though the condition expresses itself in a body part, it is thought that it actually originates in the motor cortex, a portion of the brain. While usually painless, there are many instances when the condition does indeed cause pain for the patient. It is worth noting that focal dystonia often affects those who rely on fine motor skills - musicians, writers, surgeons, etc.^{[citation needed]} Dystonia (literally, abnormal muscle tone) is a generic term used to describe a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary, sustained muscle contractions. ... Writers cramp refers to a disorder of the hand, due to excessive fine motor activity, such as writing or playing the piano. ... Fingers of the human left hand A finger is a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the hands of humans and other primates. ... The hands (med. ... Drawing by Santiago Ramón y Cajal of neurons in the pigeon cerebellum. ...

Musicians affected by focal dystonia include Leon Fleisher, of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, who suffered from this affliction in his right hand, as did Alex Klein, formerly the first oboist of the Chicago Symphony, and Ernestine Whitman, former member of the Atlanta Symphony and currently a professor of flute at Lawrence University. Former principal tuba of the New York Philharmonic, Warren Deck was diagnosed with focal dystonia of the upper lip in 2001, ending his playing career. Also, Leon Fleisher, after having received botox injections regained some limited use of his right hand. In 2005, New Age acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin announced via his website that he is suffering from focal dystonia, which severely limits his ability to play. Another musician to be afflicted by this condition is shred guitarist Terry Syrek, who recorded his entire album "AUM" with just two fully functioning fingers of his fret hand. Classical guitarist David Leisner is one of the few musicians who has fully recovered from this condition and who has returned successfully to the concert stage and recording studio after a decade of disability. A well known bass guitarist, Andy Billups who plays with british rock act The Hamsters has also made a partial recovery from this disorder and continued to play by using modified guitar plectrums to make up for the limited function of his right hand. Leon Fleisher Leon Fleisher (born July 23, 1928) is an American pianist and conductor. ... Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Peabody Conservatory of Music (or just The Peabody) is one of the most prestigious musical institutions in the world, and also the first conservatory in America. ... Alex Klein is an oboist who began his musical studies in his native Brazil at the age of nine, and made his solo orchestral debut the following year. ... The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, based in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the major orchestras in the United States. ... The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is an American orchestra based in Atlanta, Georgia. ... Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a private undergraduate college founded in 1847. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... David Leisner is a musician who has had a prominent career as a classical guitarist, composer, and a teacher. ...

Scott Adams, the writer of the popular Dilbert comics, is also afflicted with focal dystonia of the hand, which impedes his artwork.^[1] Scott Raymond Adams (born June 8, 1957) is the creator of the Dilbert comic strip and the author of several business commentaries, social satires, and experimental philosophy books. ... Dilbert (first published April 16, 1989) is an American comic strip written and drawn by Scott Adams. ...

This condition can sometimes be treated by giving periodic botox injections, which weakens the contracted muscles for a period of time allowing the opposing muscles to move more normally, but this has had only limited success. Botulin toxin or botox is the toxic compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. ...

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