Spasmodic Torticollis (Cervical Dystonia)

Spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia) is the most common focal dystonia, characterized by involuntary contraction of neck muscles causing abnormal head posture (turn/tilt/extension/flexion) and tremor, often with pain. Onset in adulthood. Treatment: botulinum toxin injections into affected neck muscles are first-line; oral medications (anticholinergics/baclofen) and deep-brain stimulation in refractory cases; plus physical therapy.

Common Symptoms

Involuntary head turn/tilt; neck tremor; neck pain; adult onset; sensory trick (geste antagoniste)

Causes and Pathogenesis

Idiopathic basal-ganglia motor-program dysfunction causes focal cervical-muscle co-contraction and dystonic posture.

Treatment

Botulinum toxin injections (first-line); oral anticholinergics/baclofen; deep-brain stimulation in refractory; physical therapy

Preventive Measures

Physical therapy; stress management; botulinum-toxin follow-up.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.