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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Characterizing the Relationship Between Eye Movement Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Non-demented Parkinson's Disease Patients with Eye Tracking

Characterizing the Relationship Between Eye Movement Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Non-demented Parkinson's Disease Patients with Eye Tracking

Published on: September 26, 2019

Dropped head in Parkinson's disease.

Ken-ichi Fujimoto¹

¹Department of Neurology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. kenchan@jichi.ac.jp

Journal of Neurology

|November 30, 2006

Summary

Dropped head, characterized by forward trunk bending, is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). Its cause may be neck muscle dystonia or weakness, with inconsistent treatment responses.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Movement Disorders

Background:

The term "dropped head" describes forward bending of the trunk and head, first noted in Gerlier disease and subsequently in various neuromuscular conditions.
While considered rare in Parkinson's disease (PD), this study suggests dropped head is relatively common in PD patients.
Disproportionate antecollis, a form of dropped head, occurs in about half of multiple system atrophy (MSA) cases and is considered dystonic.

Observation:

Dropped head is frequently observed in Parkinson's disease, contrary to its rarity in literature.
The condition progresses subacutely over several days.
Mechanisms include flexor neck muscle dystonia or extensor muscle weakness.

Findings:

The response to anti-Parkinsonian medications is inconsistent; levodopa may help some, while dopamine agonists can worsen symptoms.

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Last Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Characterizing the Relationship Between Eye Movement Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Non-demented Parkinson's Disease Patients with Eye Tracking

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Published on: September 26, 2019

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Published on: October 14, 2021

Muscle afferent block with lidocaine and ethanol shows effectiveness.

Botulinum toxin injections and stereotactic neurosurgery have limited or controversial effects.

Implications:

Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible muscle damage from chronic extensor muscle overstretch.
Understanding the specific mechanisms in PD can guide targeted therapeutic strategies.
Further research is needed to clarify the inconsistent treatment responses and optimize management for dropped head in PD.