The prevalence of focal/segmental dystonia and HFS in Oslo

All patients seeking medical treatment for primary focal and segmental dystonia, and medical or surgical treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS), in Oslo, Norway were identified in a service-based prevalence study. January 1st, 2001 was chosen as the prevalence date. Only three hospital departments offered services for Oslo citizens with dystonia, while four departments treated HFS. All together 129 patients with focal and segmental dystonia were treated. The total prevalence was 25.4 per 100,000. An under representation of first generation immigrants was observed. The prevalence for Oslo's ethnical European popula…