Dropped head syndrome. Three case-reports.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rheumatology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Dropped head syndrome is a rare condition characterized by progressive forward flexion of the head.
• It results from weakness in the neck extensor muscles.
• While often linked to myopathy, its etiology can be diverse.

Observation:

• Three elderly patients presenting with dropped head syndrome were evaluated by rheumatologists.
• Clinical observations suggested a potential neurogenic component in these cases.
• This contrasts with the predominantly myopathic origins reported in existing literature.

Findings:

• The presented cases indicate that neurogenic processes may contribute to dropped head syndrome.
• This expands the understanding of the syndrome's pathophysiology beyond solely muscular disorders.
• Evidence suggests dropped head syndrome can arise from multiple underlying causes.

Implications:

• Recognizing potential neurogenic origins is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of dropped head syndrome.
• The findings prompt further investigation into the diverse etiologies of this condition.
• Understanding the link between dropped head syndrome and acquired camptocormia in adults is important for comprehensive patient care.