Torticollis

Background

Anterior muscles of the neck.
  • Common term for various conditions of head and neck dystonia
  • Spasmodic torticollis is an abnormal contraction of the muscle in one side of the neck.
  • Cause is generally idiopathic (80-90%)

Clinical Features

  • Neck pain with inability to fully range laterally

Differential Diagnosis

Neck pain

Jaw Spasms

Movement Disorders and Other Abnormal Contractions

Evaluation

  • Clinical Diagnosis
  • Consider cervical X-ray to rule out fracture or dislocation (unlikely to be necessary if no midline tenderness or history of trauma)

Management

Acute

Chronic

  • Benztropine
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Botulinum toxin
  • Physical Therapy

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

References