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Posttraumatic torticollis
D D Truong1, R Dubinsky, N Hermanowicz
1Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Orange 92668.
Archives of Neurology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Neck trauma can cause a specific type of torticollis (neck muscle spasms). This acquired torticollis differs from the common form, showing distinct symptoms and treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma research
Background:
- Torticollis, or wry neck, is a common condition characterized by neck muscle spasms.
- Idiopathic torticollis typically presents with specific clinical features and responds to certain treatments.
Observation:
- Six cases of torticollis emerged 1-4 days after neck trauma.
- These cases exhibited unique clinical characteristics distinct from idiopathic torticollis.
- Key differences included limited range of motion, no post-sleep improvement, and absence of typical compensatory movements.
Findings:
- Pain onset was immediate post-trauma, with significant paracervical muscle spasms.
- Anticholinergic medications were ineffective.
- Botulinum toxin injections showed some therapeutic benefit.
Implications:
- This study suggests peripheral trauma as a potential cause of torticollis.
- The findings highlight a distinct clinical subtype of traumatic torticollis.
- Further research into traumatic torticollis and its management is warranted.