Sexual dysfunction in cervical dystonia and blepharospasm

Abstract

M Marek,1 M Grobe-Einsler,1 JR Bedarf,1 B Wabbels,2 S Paus1 1Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; 2Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Background: Sexual dysfunction is a frequent, yet underrated, symptom of neurological disease. While knowledge of non-motor comorbidity in focal dystonia is growing rapidly, there is no information on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in cervical dystonia (CD) or blepharospasm (BL). Methods: In this controlled study, we examined sexual dysfunction in 65 patients with CD and 54 patients with BL by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, a validated self-rating scale. Results: Sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in CD patients (45%) than in controls (24%), and frequent in BL (39%). Interestingly, variables of dystonia such as disease duration or severity did not influence sexuality; yet, 23% of CD patients ascribed worsening of their sexual life to dystonia. Symptoms of depression were identified as the most important predictors for sexual dysfunction, followed by age, and personal status (single). Conclusion: Our observations establish sexual dysfunction as a frequent non-motor symptom in CD and BL that is perceived as a burden. It should be considered when investigating patients with adult-onset focal dystonia. Keywords: dystonia, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, sexual dysfunction, depression&nbsp