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SPASMODIC TORTICOLLIS. Is a chronic neurological movement disorder which causes head to be side flexed on affected side and rotated to opposite side. Spasmodic (or adult-onset) torticollis is usually idiopathic. Also known as "Cervical Dystonia " . 5% - family history.
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Is a chronic neurological movement disorder which causes head to be side flexed on affected side and rotated to opposite side. • Spasmodic (or adult-onset) torticollis is usually idiopathic. • Also known as "Cervical Dystonia" . • 5% - family history. • One third have other dystonias (eg, eyelids, face, jaw, hand). • Can occur at any time from birth to adulthood, but most often it occurs in young adults(20-60)
Common in females. • It usually begins gradually and then reaches a point where it doesn't get any worse. • Predisposing factor – malalignment of neck at night. • It is thought to originate in the basal ganglia • A disturbance in the balance of Acetylcholine in the brain may be responsible. • The neurotransmitters or chemical messengers secreted from the basal ganglia travel through nerve pathways to certain muscles of the neck. • The increased nerve signals cause spasms to occur which cause the head to be pulled.
Symptoms : Spasms in neck muscles that you can't control. • Spasms - painful and even produce compression of nerve roots in the neck. • Muscles commonly involved are sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae and splenius capitis
Additional signs and symptoms include : • Enlargement of neck muscles (possibly present at birth) • Uneven shape of an infant's head from sleeping on the affected side • Elevation of the shoulder on the affected side • Stiffness in the neck muscles • Limited range of motion • Headache • Neck pain • Tremor
Besides rotational tilting (torticollis), the head can tilt laterally (laterocollis), forward (anterocollis), or backward (retrocollis).
Treatment • Hot packs / Ice Massage • Neck Massage • Relaxed passive movt of head in opp direction of spasmodic muscle • Passive Stretching • Temporary soft collar is useful during working and sleep to maintain proper posture till acute pain subsides.