Powell A T, Bidewell J W, Walker A C
Faculty of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Western Sydney, Nepean.
Aust Health Rev. 1995;18(3):120-31.
Idiopathic dystonia is a chronic, disabling movement disorder. This study attempted to verify anecdotal evidence that sufferers experience delay in achieving a correct diagnosis. A survey of 133 patients revealed that diagnosis after first seeking help required a mean of 3.8 years. Diagnostic latency varied considerably, with 22 per cent of respondents reporting a diagnostic latency of more than five years, while a further 22 per cent reported a latency of one month or less, with a sample median of 1.5 years. Respondents consulted a mean of 8.3 practitioners, including a mean of 2.1 general practitioners and 1.6 neurologists. Results were consistent with reports of lengthy diagnostic delays and inappropriate referrals. Greater awareness of dystonia and referral of suspected cases to a neurologist interested in movement disorders are recommended.
特发性肌张力障碍是一种慢性致残性运动障碍。本研究试图验证一些传闻证据，即患者在获得正确诊断方面存在延迟。对133名患者的调查显示，首次寻求帮助后确诊平均需要3.8年。诊断延迟差异很大，22%的受访者报告诊断延迟超过5年，另有22%的受访者报告延迟为1个月或更短，样本中位数为1.5年。受访者平均咨询了8.3名医生，其中包括平均2.1名全科医生和1.6名神经科医生。结果与关于诊断延迟过长和转诊不当的报告一致。建议提高对肌张力障碍的认识，并将疑似病例转诊给对运动障碍感兴趣的神经科医生。
