Embouchure and other task-specific musician’s dystonias

Embouchure and hand dystonias are the two major forms of focal dystonia affecting musicians. Both fall under the category of focal task-specific dystonias (FTSDs), which by definition affect only one part of the body and are triggered solely during performance of specific 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 confidence and career. Unlike most other FTSDs, the manifestations of musicians’ dystonia are both audible and visible (1).