Torticollis is a form of dystonia (prolonged muscle contractions) in
which the neck muscles contract involuntarily causing the head to
turn. 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 be 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
