Cervicaldystonia(also calledspasmodic torticollis) is a neurological condition affecting approximately 60,000 people in the United States.
Symptoms usually start out mild and worsen with time.
Treatments include medication and surgery.
Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images
In some cases, cervical dystonia can temporarily resolve on its own.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical dystonia.
Cervical dystonia specifically affects muscles in the neck.
In severe cases, the neck and head can become “stuck” in an involuntary posture.
Within a few months or years, symptoms tend to plateau.
Neck and head movements resulting from cervical dystonia can vary from person to person.
The exact cause of cervical dystonia is unknown.
However, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing this condition.
There’s no specific test for healthcare providers to diagnose cervical dystonia.
How Do You Treat Cervical Dystonia?
There’s no cure for cervical dystonia, but medications can help manage the symptoms.
Less commonly, this condition is treated with surgery.
Medications
The most effective treatment for cervical dystoniaand other focal dystoniasisBotox (onabotulinumtoxinA).
Small amounts of Botox are injected into the affected muscles in the neck to reduce spasms.
Results can usually be seen within a few days and last several months.
No drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cervical dystonia.
These include:
Muscle relaxants are also prescribed to help manage symptoms of dystonia.
It involves placing electrodes into brain structures on both sides of the brain.
It can also cause pain, headaches, and hand tremors.
There is no test to diagnose cervical dystonia.
While cervical dystonia is not curable, some treatments help decrease symptoms.
The primary treatment is medication.
In some cases, surgery is required.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Cervical dystonia.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Dystonia.
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.Cervical dystonia.
Ray S, Pal PK, Yadav R.Non-motor symptoms in cervical dystonia: a review.Ann Indian Acad Neurol.
2020;23(4):449-457. doi:10.4103%2Faian.AIAN_27_20
American Academy of Family Physicians.Cervical dystonia.
2020;17(4):1622-1644. doi:10.1007%2Fs13311-020-00944-0
