Fortis - International Patient

Cervical dystonia




Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications

The muscle contractions involved in cervical dystonia can cause your head to twist in a variety of directions, including:

  • Chin toward shoulder
  • Ear toward shoulder
  • Chin straight up
  • Chin straight down

The most common type of twisting associated with cervical dystonia is when your chin is pulled toward your shoulder. Some people experience a combination of abnormal head postures. A jerking motion of the head also may occur.

Most people who have cervical dystonia also experience neck pain that can radiate into the shoulders. The disorder also can cause headaches. In some people, the pain from cervical dystonia can be exhausting and disabling.

In most cases of cervical dystonia, doctors don't know why some people develop the disorder and others don't. Some cases, however, appear to be linked to head, neck or shoulder injuries. Certain drugs, notably specific antipsychotic or anti-nausea agents, trigger cervical dystonia in some people.

Risk factors for cervical dystonia include:

  • Age. While the disorder can occur in people of any age, even children, it most commonly begins between the ages of 40 and 70.
  • Sex. Women are more likely to develop cervical dystonia than are men.
  • Family history. If a close family member has cervical dystonia or some other type of dystonia, you are at higher risk of developing the disorder.

Some people who start out with cervical dystonia eventually develop similar symptoms in neighboring regions, such as the shoulder or face. In addition, the disability and pain that can be caused by cervical dystonia may result in depression.



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