Cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy in dystonia

Previous reports have attributed the development of premature cervical spondylosis to movement disorders such as torticollis and athetosis. This case report describes the clinical, electromyographic, and radiographic findings in a 34-year-old man who developed a myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy superimposed on a chronic dystonia of his neck and left arm. Cervical myeloradiculopathy should be suspected in any patient with a chronic movement disorder of the hand, neck, or arms, who presents with neurologic deterioration. Early diagnosis will lead to treatment that may improve symptoms. Anterior cervical bony fusion appears to be the preferred surgical treatment in these patients.