Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is considered the most prevalent type of focal dystonia?

1. Writer's dystonia

2. Torticollis

3. Blepharospasm

4. Chronic pain syndrome

The correct answer is: Torticollis

The most prevalent type of focal dystonia is indeed torticollis, which is characterized by an involuntary contraction of the neck muscles, resulting in abnormal postures of the head. This condition often leads to the head being twisted to one side or forward or backward, which can significantly impact a person's daily life and functioning. Torticollis can be classified into different types, such as congenital torticollis, which is present at birth, and spasmodic torticollis, which usually develops in adulthood. The prevalence of torticollis is notable among focal dystonias, making it an important condition for healthcare providers, especially in neurology and rehabilitation settings. Other types of discussed focal dystonias, like writer's dystonia and blepharospasm, while significant, are less common compared to torticollis. Writer's dystonia affects individuals while performing writing tasks, and blepharospasm causes involuntary blinking or eye closure, impacting vision but typically occurs less frequently than torticollis. Chronic pain syndrome, on the other hand, is not classified as a focal dystonia but rather a broader condition that encompasses various pain-related issues without a clear, localized dystonic component. Therefore, tort