Idiopathic dystonia and cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy developed in two patients with idiopathic torsion dystonia. There were marked spondylotic changes in both patients, probably attributable to the incessant dystonic movements of the neck. Previous cervical spine surgery may have exacerbated the myelopathy in one of the patients. Cervical myelopathy complicating idiopathic dystonia must be distinguished from other causes of neurological deterioration, since it may be improved by appropriate neurosurgical treatment.