Health Encyclopedia

Torticollis

Definition

Torticollis is a twisted neck, referring to the head being tipped to one side, while the chin is turned to the other.

Alternative Names

Wry neck; Loxia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Torticollis may occur without known cause (idiopathic), be genetic (inherited), or be acquired secondary to damage to the nervous system or muscles. It may develop in childhood or adulthood. Congenital torticollis (present at birth) may be caused by malpositioning of the head in the uterus, or by prenatal injury of the muscles or blood supply in the neck.

Symptoms

Enlargement of the neck muscles (possibly present at birth)
Asymmetry of an infant's head from sleeping on the affected side
Elevation of the shoulder on the affected side
Stiffness of neck muscles
Limited range of motion
Headache
Neck pain
Head tremor

Signs and tests

Various tests or procedures may be done to rule out possible causes of head and neck pain. A physical examination will show a visible shortening of the neck muscles and the head will tilt toward the affected side while the chin points to the opposite side.

Treatment

Treatment of congenital torticollis involves stretching the shortened neck muscle. Passive stretching and positioning are treatments used in infants and small children. Surgical sectioning of the neck muscle may be done in the preschool years, if other treatment methods fail.

Acquired torticollis is treated by identifying the underlying cause of the disorder. Application of heat, traction to the cervical spine, and massage may help relieve head and neck pain. Stretching exercises and neck braces may help with muscle spasms.

Drug treatments include anticholinergic drugs (baclofen). Injection of botulinum toxin is very effective to temporarily relieve the torticollis, but repeat injections every three months are usually required. Surgical treatments are rarely used.

Expectations (prognosis)

The condition may be easier to correct in infants and children. If the condition becomes chronic, numbness and tingling may develop as nerve roots become compressed in the neck. Botulinum toxin injections often provide substantial relief.

Complications

Some complications include neurological symptoms from compressed nerve roots.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention

While there is no known prevention, early treatment may prevent a worsening of the condition.

References

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:606.

Persing J. Prevention and management of positional skull deformities in infants. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, Section on Plastic Surgery and Section on Neurological Surgery. Pediatrics. 2003; 112(1 Pt 1): 199-202.

Review Date:6/1/2006
Reviewed By:Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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