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Torticollis (cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis) is a type of movement disorder in which the muscles controlling the neck cause sustained twisting or frequent jerking. A deformity of the neck is caused by a shortening of the neck muscles; this condition causes the head to tilt to the affected side with the chin pointing to the other side.
There are three types of torticollis: - Tonic, in which the abnormal posture is sustained
- Clonic, marked by jerky head movements
- Mixed, a combination of tonic and clonic movements.
Incidence; Causes & Development
Torticollis most commonly begins between age 30-60, with females affected twice as often as males. According to the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, torticollis affects 83,000 people in the United States.
The nerve signals responsible for torticollis are thought to originate in the basal ganglia, a group of brain structures involved in movement control. The exact defect is unknown. Some cases of dystonia are due to the inheritance of a defective gene, whose function is unknown at the time of writing. Other cases are correlated with neck or head trauma, such as from an automobile accident. Use of certain antipsychotic drugs, or neuroleptics, can induce dystonia.
Signs & Symptoms
With this condition, certain muscles controlling the neck undergo repetitive or sustained contraction, causing the neck to jerk or twist to the side. Cervical dystonia causes forward twisting, and is called antecollis. Backward twisting is known as retrocollis. The abnormal posture caused by torticollis is often debilitating, and is usually painful.
Symptoms usually begin gradually, and may be intermittent at first, worsening in times of stress. Symptoms usually progress over two to five years, and then remain steady. Symptoms may be relieved somewhat when lying down. Many people with torticollis can temporarily correct their head position by sensory tricks, as touching the chin or cheek on the side opposite the turning. The reason for the effectiveness of this "geste antagoniste", as it is called, is unknown.
Dystonia tends to become more severe during the first months or years after onset, and may spread to other regions, especially the jaw, arm, or leg.
Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosis of torticollis is aided by an electrical study (electromyography) that can detect overactive muscles. Imaging studies - including X-rays - may be done to rule out other causes of abnormal posture. A detailed medical history is needed to determine possible causes, including trauma.
Torticollis should not be confused with such other causes of abnormal neck posture as orthopedic or congenital problems.
Treatment & Prevention
A variety of oral drugs are available to relax muscles, including baclofen. For a subgroup of patients, L-dopa provides effective relief. Denervation of the involved neck muscles may be performed with injection of alcohol or phenol on to the nerve.
Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox, BTX) is considered by many to be the treatment of choice. By preventing release of chemical messages from the nerve endings that stimulate the involved muscles, BTX partially paralyzes the muscles, therefore allowing more normal posture and range of motion. BTX treatment lasts several months, and may be repeated.
Physical therapy can help relieve secondary consequences of torticollis. Regular muscle stretching prevents contracture, or permanent muscle shortening. Pain and spasm may be temporarily lessened with application of heat or ice. Stress management techniques may help prevent worsening. An occupational therapist can suggest home or work modifications to reduce fatigue and improve function. Braces constructed to replace the patient's own sensory tricks may help reduce abnormal posture.
Biofeedback may be effective for some patients. Regular massage therapy can reduce additional pain in compensating areas of the body. Two energy-based therapies, acupuncture and homeopathic medicine, can work to rebalance the whole person, helping to correct the torticollis. Antispasmodic herbs may help to relax the muscles. In addition, herbs that can help balance the stimulus from the nervous system are often recommended.
There is no way known to prevent torticollis.
Prognosis
Spontaneous remission is seen in up to 20% of patients, most often those patients with older onset and milder symptoms. Dystonia may spread to affect other regions of the body.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Torticollis (Loxia, "Wryneck"):
Conditions that suggest Torticollis (Loxia, "Wryneck"):
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |
GLOSSARY
Antispasmodic
Preventing spasms.
Clonic
Form of movement marked by contractions and relaxations of a muscle, occurring in rapid succession.
Contracture (Contractures)
An abnormal, often permanent shortening, as of muscle or scar tissue, that results in distortion or deformity, especially of a joint of the body.
Dystonia
Impaired muscle tonus.
Ganglion (Ganglia)
A group of nerve cell bodies clustered together in a uniform mass outside of but often close to the brain or spinal chord. Nerves run to or from the ganglia in passage to or from the brain to specific sites on the body.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Homeopathy (Homeopathic)
A system of medicine based on the belief that the cure of disease can be effected by minute doses of substances that, if given to a healthy person in large doses, would produce the same symptoms as are present in the disease being treated. Homeopathy employs natural substances in small doses to stimulate the body's reactive process to remove toxic waste and bring the body back into balance.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Spasm
Involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups.
X-rays (X-ray)
High-energy radiation used to take pictures of areas inside the body.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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