Overview
Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP), also known as DYT12, is a rare neurological disorder that causes sudden, dramatic movement problems. The name describes two of its main features: dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting or abnormal postures) and parkinsonism (slowness of movement, stiffness, and balance problems similar to Parkinson's disease). What makes RDP unique is how fast it appears — symptoms can develop over hours to days, often triggered by physical or emotional stress, fever, or alcohol use. After this rapid onset, symptoms usually stabilize and do not continue to worsen significantly over time. RDP mainly affects the muscles used for speaking, swallowing, and walking. Many people develop slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and an unsteady gait. The arms are often less affected than the legs and face. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the person. There is currently no cure for RDP. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Medications used for Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa, generally do not help much in RDP. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy play an important role in maintaining function and quality of life. Because RDP is so rare, care is best managed by a specialist experienced in movement disorders.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Sudden onset of muscle stiffness and abnormal postures (dystonia)Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)Slurred or difficult-to-understand speechTrouble swallowingUnsteady walking and balance problemsMuscle rigidity (stiffness throughout the body)Leg weakness or dragging of the feetFacial muscle involvement causing grimacing or abnormal expressionsSymptoms that appear over hours to days rather than gradually over yearsSymptoms that often stabilize after the initial episode
Clinical phenotype terms (20)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is genetic testing for ATP1A3 recommended for me and my family members?,Which medications are most likely to help my specific symptoms, and what are the side effects?,Should I avoid any specific triggers like stress, fever, or alcohol to prevent worsening?,Would I benefit from deep brain stimulation, and am I a candidate for it?,What therapies — physical, speech, or occupational — should I start, and how often?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?,What signs should prompt me to seek emergency care?
Common questions about Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism
What is Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism?
Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP), also known as DYT12, is a rare neurological disorder that causes sudden, dramatic movement problems. The name describes two of its main features: dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting or abnormal postures) and parkinsonism (slowness of movement, stiffness, and balance problems similar to Parkinson's disease). What makes RDP unique is how fast it appears — symptoms can develop over hours to days, often triggered by physical or emotional stress, fever, or alcohol use. After this rapid onset, symptoms usually stabilize and do not co
How is Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism inherited?
Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism?
1 specialists and care centers treating Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.