Mild Benign Paroxysmal Torticollis-A Case Report from Physical Therapy Settings

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal torticollis (BPT) is an episodic vestibular disorder in infants.
• It presents as recurrent, alternating head tilting.
• Mild BPT can be misdiagnosed as Congenital Muscular Torticollis, leading to inappropriate interventions.

Observation:

• This case report details an infant with suspected mild BPT.
• The infant displayed alternating head tilt and colic.
• Crucially, the infant maintained normal motor development.

Findings:

• The infant's head tilt resolved spontaneously.
• No specific medical or physical therapy intervention was required.
• This highlights the self-limiting nature of mild BPT.

Implications:

• Physical therapists must recognize mild BPT to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
• Awareness of BPT aids in accurate diagnosis and parental reassurance.
• Careful monitoring is key to differentiating BPT from other pediatric torticollis presentations.