What is spasmodic torticollis?
spasmodic torticollis is a type of neurological disorder in which the muscles of the neck involuntarily download, causing the head to jerk or lean. Many factors can cause spasmodic torticollis, including congenital defects, unfavorable reactions of drugs and direct trauma per head and neck. A person on the condition is likely to experience chronic pain and will not be able to conveniently engage in everyday activities such as reading and driving. Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, the doctor may decide to prescribe medicines, injection of the muscle with botulinum toxin, or propose corrective surgery. The muscles can immediately tighten and jerk head to the side, or gradually become more and more limited, so the head tilted forward, backwards or towards one arm. The individual with the condition is unable to move the neck back to the correct alignment of serious discomfort. It is common for a person to suffer from headaches and chronic pain that radiates shoulders and arms. Some people also experience shaking arms,nausea and fatigue.
A person can obtain spasmodic torticollis at any age and accurate cause is often difficult to identify. Congenital torticollis is usually the result of a neck injury that occurs in the womb or during birth. Later in life, an individual can experience direct trauma, severe infection or side effects of certain antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs. It has been found that some people with a condition have unusually high levels of toxins such as carbon monoxide and lead. In addition, the tumor in the brain or spine can lead to torticollis if it compresses important nerves in the area.
spasmodic torticollis can usually be diagnosed after careful physical test. The doctor can perform blood tests to check toxins and infections. Computer tomographic scanning can be performed to find symptoms of trauma or possible tumors. Muscle relaxants, antibiotics and pain reliefThey are often everything that is needed to alleviate symptoms. The doctor may decide to administer botulin toxin to effectively paralyze the affected muscles and prevent future contractions.
If a malignant tumor is found, surgery may be required. A team of qualified surgeons can extract a tumor that tends to immediately reduce the pressure on nerves and muscles. If cancer returns or spreads, subsequent chemotherapy and radiation treatment may be required. After any kind of spasmodic treatment torticollis, the patient should plan regular checks with his doctor to monitor health problems.