Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of dystonia in a cohort of Cameroonian patients.
Background: Dystonia is a complex and heterogeneous movement disorder with variable etiologies and manifestations. Despite its significant burden, dystonia remains understudied in many African countries, including Cameroon.
Method: We conducted a retrospective study of 35 patients with dystonia who were evaluated at six hospitals in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon, between October 2024 and March 2025. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized questionnaire.
Results: RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 45.77 ± 18.62 years, and 60% were female. Focal dystonias were the most common subtype (82.86%), with writer’s cramp being the most frequent (22.86%). Segmental and generalized dystonias accounted for 8.57% and 8.57% of cases, respectively. Botulinum toxin injections were administered to 42.86% of patients.
Conclusion: CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that focal dystonias, particularly writer’s cramp, are the most common forms of Dystonia in Cameroon. However, access to effective treatments, such as botulinum toxin injection s remind limited
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
HD. Ewodo Touna, D. Gams Massi, M A. Magnerou, C. Kenmegne, E. Chokote, E. Gueumekane Bila, M. Tonga, D. Atsa Kouda, G. Nokam, Y. Mapoure Njankouo. Dystonia in Cameroon: Clinical characteristic and treatment patterns [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/dystonia-in-cameroon-clinical-characteristic-and-treatment-patterns/. Accessed October 22, 2026.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/dystonia-in-cameroon-clinical-characteristic-and-treatment-patterns/