Amanda Lockhead is Leading 500 Mile March to End Dystonia

Young Mom is Walking a Mile for Every $5 Donated toward Urgently-Needed Research
 
Amanda Lockhead developed dystonia as a teenager.
Amanda Lockhead developed dystonia as a teenager.
NASHUA, N.H. - April 20, 2021 - PRLog -- Amanda Lockhead was crushed when Covid-19 prevented her from organizing her annual event to raise awareness and research funds for dystonia, a neurological movement disorder she has lived with since childhood. But she re-invented her event as March to End Dystonia. For every $5 donated to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), Lockhead is walking a mile – not an easy feat when living with a movement disorder. She has walked 150 miles, covering up to 10 miles in a day. Her goal is 500 miles.

"I let dystonia get me down so many times, and during the pandemic it got worse," she said. "One day I decided to do something about it. I want to raise money for research, and I want people with disabilities to know they can chase their dreams. Walking has helped me become more fit, less stressed, have more energy, and helps lessen my dystonia symptoms. I hope by sharing my story I can make a difference in at least one person's life."

Lockhead began experiencing dystonia symptoms as a teenager, following a shoulder injury. She developed painful, involuntary muscle spasms in her hands, feet, abdomen, and neck—at times so severe she dislocated her shoulder joint. Lockhead was not correctly diagnosed until her 20s. She ultimately had deep brain stimulation (DBS), a procedure that involves surgically implanting electrodes in her brain and a battery-powered stimulator in her chest wall. The treatment is adjusted by a remote device that controls the electrical stimulation to the brain. "And it worked. It worked awesome," said Lockhead. Her pain and symptoms were reduced. However, she has since experienced a rollercoaster of setbacks and comebacks, including a life-threatening infection and broken DBS device, each of which required the procedure to be redone. She continues to require botulinum neurotoxin injections in her limbs to keep them mobile and has had several surgeries to try to regain use of her hand.

Individuals with dystonia struggle to walk, speak, or move their bodies freely. Because it is not better known, symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed and/or mistaken for mental disturbance, substance abuse, or poor social skills. Dystonia affects 250,000 people in the US. There are multiple forms of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. There is not yet a cure and, though treatments exist, there is no therapy that benefits even a majority of patients.

Information about March to End Dystonia is available at: https://dystonia-foundation.org/friends/amanda-lockhead/

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is the leading dystonia patient advocacy organization. More information is available at https://dystonia-foundation.org.

End
Source: » Follow
Email:***@dystonia-foundation.org Email Verified
Tags:Dystonia, Charity Walk, Deep Brain Stimulation
Industry:Health
Location:Nashua - New Hampshire - United States
Subject:Events
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share