I can't find a particularly reliable source on this story at all.
I know a little on dystonia, as it's related to my area of expertise in neuroscience (although I stress I'm not an expert on dystonia itself). It's basically the result of brain damage. And whilst some functionality may be restored after some forms of brain damage, it takes a long time. I'm not aware that anything "cures" dystonia, I think the best that can be achieved is to minimise symptoms, usually with drugs.
In brief, I simply don't believe she could have a quick treatment and be well again had brain damage occurred. Furthermore, on symptoms I'm a lot weaker, but I don't immediately understand why she can run or walk backwards fine but have movement problems otherwise.
What is interesting is the "cure" came from a very controversial doctor, known for quackery and alternative medicines. I'd prefer not to rush to judgement, but the chances that this is a hoax PR stunt are worrying high. A lot of these doctors and scientists are low on ethics (view the anti-AIDS-drug movement in South Africa, Matthias Rath, I think a key name is). Also consider the MMR vaccine controversy (Dr. Andrew Wakefield), which means vaccines are a popular way for fraudulent medics to make profits.
The only other medical/scientific possibility is it was all psychological. If so, the quack doctor may have sorted out the problem by chance, but it's nothing a psychologist couldn't have managed instead.
I know a little on dystonia, as it's related to my area of expertise in neuroscience (although I stress I'm not an expert on dystonia itself). It's basically the result of brain damage. And whilst some functionality may be restored after some forms of brain damage, it takes a long time. I'm not aware that anything "cures" dystonia, I think the best that can be achieved is to minimise symptoms, usually with drugs.
In brief, I simply don't believe she could have a quick treatment and be well again had brain damage occurred. Furthermore, on symptoms I'm a lot weaker, but I don't immediately understand why she can run or walk backwards fine but have movement problems otherwise.
What is interesting is the "cure" came from a very controversial doctor, known for quackery and alternative medicines. I'd prefer not to rush to judgement, but the chances that this is a hoax PR stunt are worrying high. A lot of these doctors and scientists are low on ethics (view the anti-AIDS-drug movement in South Africa, Matthias Rath, I think a key name is). Also consider the MMR vaccine controversy (Dr. Andrew Wakefield), which means vaccines are a popular way for fraudulent medics to make profits.
The only other medical/scientific possibility is it was all psychological. If so, the quack doctor may have sorted out the problem by chance, but it's nothing a psychologist couldn't have managed instead.
