Neck Spasms After Lateral Neck Dissection: A Survey of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Neck spasms or myoclonus are an underreported sequela of HNC treatment, often described following radiation. The frequency of neck spasm following neck dissection is unknown.

A phone survey was conducted of HNC patients following neck dissection to determine the incidence and severity of neck spasms using the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale and Neck Dissection Impairment Index. Demographic and treatment-related factors were compared between those with and without neck spasms.

56/136 patients (41.2%) responded with 16 (28.6%) reporting neck spasms. Spasms ranged from mild to severe and were associated with a lower NDII score (85.62 vs. 90.44, p = 0.078) Neck spasms occurred irrespective of shoulder dysfunction due to cranial nerve 11 injury and were not associated with any patient or treatment-related factors, including radiation therapy.

Neck spasms occur after neck dissection irrespective of radiation therapy or spinal accessory nerve injury with a negative impact on quality of life.