§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what evidence he has on the extent to which dystonia is transmitted(a) by inheritance and (b) by other identifiable causes;
(2) what is the incidence of dystonia in the United Kingdom; and if he will list the hospitals which offer treatment for this disability;
(3) whether he will assist with funding for the Dystonia Society.
§ Mrs. CurrieDystonia is the medical name given to prolonged spasms of muscle contraction affecting various parts of the body. Often it has no known cause. It can be a symptom of various underlying neurological disorders. We do not collect statistics on the incidence or causes of this condition and have no plans to do so. It is, however, known to be relatively uncommon. Appropriate treatment is available in many hospitals; where neurosurgical treatment is necessary, this is provided in specialist centres.
We are not currently assisting with the funding of the Dystonia Society, but the organisation could be among those considered for a grant next year under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968.