Affecting more than 500,000 children and adults in North America, dystonia is the third most common movement disorder and also a symptom of Parkinson's disease. Yet it is an unfamiliar term for many.

Dystonia causes involuntary muscle spasms and contractions resulting in painful and abnormal postures, and there is no cure. People with dystonia are bringing more awareness to this neurological disorder to help future patients avoid a lengthy journey to diagnosis and to bring critical dollars to much-needed research for better treatments and a cure.

Sign the petition to make September the official Dystonia Awareness Month.

In 2014, The Michael J. Fox Foundation established a collaborative research alliance with The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation to boost visibility for dystonia and Parkinson's and deepen investment in research. This September, we’ll share more information on the causes of dystonia, the relationship between PD and dystonia, and current treatment options. Keep an eye out for these pieces on the FoxFeed blog and the Foundation's social channels (#dystoniaawareness) throughout the month.

In the meantime, sign the petition to officially recognize September as Dystonia Awareness Month. Once signed, check your email to verify your signature and then share with friends and family — 100,000 signatures are needed by September 23, and those outside the US can participate.

Learn more about dystonia by listening to our podcast.