Action For Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education And Research
Address:
Bath Cottage
Middleton St. George
Darlington
DL2 1DJ
Action For Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education And Research
Dystonia is a little known neurological condition affecting the central nervous system and consists of a group of related movement disorders, characterised by involuntary and often very painful and prolonged spasms of muscle contractions. Recent medical developments means it is now treatable, although it is not yet curable.
Different medications can be used but the majority of people now opt for regular injections of Botulinum Toxin which weakens those muscles in spasm thus giving temporary relief, usually lasting about 12 weeks.
A.D.D.E.R. covers the entire country but has its roots in the North East of England where it covers Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co. Durham and Cleveland and Cumbria.
Through a member's current research, working with the Medical Profession, we have established a database of over 1700 people with dystonia throughout the North East and Cumbria since we started our awareness raising campaigns in 1993.
There are currently a number of different groups being established on Tyneside, Teesside, Durham, Darlington, Sunderland and Cumbria. The groups are run entirely by people with dystonia or who have family members with dystonia and are supported by 12 member volunteer Management Committee who administer the organisation.
