Contents
Definition
- Torticollis is a common term for various conditions of head and neck dystonia which displays specific variations in head movement
- Torticollis results in a fixed or dynamic posturing of the head and neck in tilt, rotation, and flexion
- Spasms of the sternocleidomastoideus, trapezius and other neck muscles, usually more prominent on one side than the other, cause a turning or tipping of the head.
- There are many underlying causes which should be explored and ruled out as some are severe and life threatening
- Congenital torticollis
- Babies which are born with a painless contracture of the sternocleidomastoideus
Causes
- Hemi-atlas, aplasia of the posterior arch of atlas, assimilliation of the atlas and extensive fusion of the lower cervical vertebrae12
- Congenital anomaly in the formation of the first cervical vertebra
Observation
- Neck is fixed in side flexion towards the affected side and rotation away from it