ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Embouchure and hand dystonias are the two major forms of focal dystonia affecting musicians. Both fall under the category of focal task-specifi c dystonias (FTSDs), which by defi nition affect only one part of the body and are triggered solely during the performance of specifi c activities (1). Depending on the task involved, FTSD can be a functionally devastating disorder for patients who derive their livelihood from the task. In the case of musicians, especially those who are professional performers or instructors, this can be a particularly disabling condition that may lead to loss of confi dence and career. Unlike most other FTSDs, the manifestations of musicians’ dystonia are both audible and visible (1).
