To diagnose dystonia, a neurologist will first take the patient's history and perform a physical examination. Following this, the specialist will order a series of tests. These tests may include:

Blood and urine tests: These tests can reveal signs of toxins or other underlying conditions.
MRI or CT scan: These imaging tests can identify abnormalities such as tumors, lesions, or evidence of stroke in the brain.
Electromyography (EMG): An EMG test measures the electrical activity in muscles.
Genetic testing: Some forms of dystonia are associated with specific genes. Knowing if these genes are present can help guide treatment.

Based on the results of these tests, combined with the specialist's examination, a diagnosis of dystonia is made.