Abstract:

The aim of the study was to study the physical and psychological components regarding the quality of life of patients with cervical dystonia. Material and methods. 170 respondents were examined. The main group included 120 patients with cervical dystonia, 50 patients were included in the control group, consisting of patients with cervicalgia of various genesis. The diagnosis of cervical dystonia met uniform criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of dystonia adopted in 2011 by the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Movement Disorders Society (European Federation of Neurological Societies / Movement Disorders Society, EFNS / MDS). In the control group, the pain syndrome of the cervical spine was caused by a degenerative process and was confirmed by X-ray examination and /or MRI. As part of our research, we determined the quality of life in men and women in both groups using the SF-36 questionnaire with a study of the parameters of physical and psychological well-being. Results and conclusion. A considerably significant effect of cervical dystonia on the somatic and mental  parameters regarding the quality of life in both men and women has been established. Significant decrease in all indicators representing the quality of life in patients with cervical dystonia was revealed compared with respondents without dystonic hyperkinesis. As a chronic disease, cervical dystonia leads to psycho-physiological stress, which significantly impairs the quality of life of patients. Significant gender differences were identified: women from the groups of cervical dystonia and cervicalgia were more often exposed to psychological deprivation and reduced physical activity than men from the same groups.

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