User:Mr. Ibrahem/Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is when muscle spasms of the neck results in the head being twisted. Typically this results in the head being tilted towards one shoulder with the chin turned towards the other. Pain is often present and the condition may last months or years. It generally resolves during sleep. Complications may include arthritis of the neck.

The cause in most cases is unknown. Some develop the disorder as a result of an injury, medication use, genetic mutation, brain injury, viral encephalitis high thyroid, Wilson disease, Huntington disease, or kernicterus. Onset may be days to months after an injury. The underlying mechanism generally involves spasms of the sternocleidomastoid. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Cervical dystonia may be treated with anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, baclofen, botulinum toxin, or deep brain stimulation. About 1 in 10,000 are affected per year. The neck is one of the most common locations affected by dystonia. Onset is often around the age of 40 to 60. Women are more commonly affected than men.