CERVICAL DYSTONIA

CERVICAL DYSTONIA

• Also known as Spasmodic Toricollis
• Occurs in all ages & races all over the world
• Most common in adults 30-60 and can also develop in kids
• Occurs in both men and women
• A focal dystonia that affects the neck and sometimes shoulders

HISTORY

• Was recorded by Gowers in 1888
• The term "Toricollis spasmodique" was used to describe
• The twisting neck movements observed in a 17 year-old girl

CAUSES

• Most doctors don't know why people develop this disorder
• But they think it might be linked to head, shoulder, neck injuries

DIAGNOSIS

• Based on information from the effected individual and
• The examination of the patient

SYMPTOMS

• Involuntary contracting of the neck muscles
• Causing abnormal movements
• Awkward posture of the head and neck
• Discomfort and pain in head or neck or effected area

TESTS

• Blood or urine test: used to reveal toxins
• MRI: used to reveal tumors
• EMG: used to measure the electrical activity of muscles

TREATMENTS

• Oral medications
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Surgery
• Complementary therapies

PROGNOSIS

• There is really no cure for cervical dystonia but you can minimize it
• By resting, heat packs, sensory tricks, and reducing stress