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kmac2017 Asked September 25, 2025

What is the best treatment for dystonia?

My mom has been having increasing facial dystonia. No one seems to be able to diagnose it except to say that it’s a sign of her worsening dementia. I’m not a doctor, but it seems to be Meige syndrome. She rapidly blinks her eyes and clenches her teeth. Can’t open her eyes sometimes. This whole process happens every few seconds some days. Her doctor thinks it may be a side effect of taking antipsychotics, so we are taking her off Donepezil. I’d like to find someone that will calm her episodes down. Does anyone have experience with this? Is Valium a good option? None of the doctors she’s seen or the staff at her mc facility seem to know what’s going on with her.

JakRenden2 Oct 1, 2025
Besides Botox injections, Grandma1954 mentioned, Diazepam(Valium) can be useful. Have you tried taking her to a movement disorder specialist or a neurologist? You mentioned no one seems to be able to diagnose it, but maybe she just didn't see the "right" doctor. I would be persistent in taking her to see multiple doctors until you find one who can do something about it.
It is very rare that Donepezil causes that side effect, but maybe you should wait for a bit to see if it goes away since her doctor decided to take her off.

Grandma1954 Sep 25, 2025
I do know people with dystonia that have had luck with Botox injections.
BUT the people that I have know that had this done did not have dementia..
side note....Donepezil is NOT an antipsychotic. Is the doctor you are talking to about this a Neurologist?

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