Can patients with psychosis experience neck tilting during an episode?
May 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Whether a psychiatric patient experiences neck tilting during an episode depends on the medication they are taking. If the antipsychotic medication is prone to causing dystonia such as spasmodic torticollis, the patient usually develops a tilted neck; however, if the medication does not commonly cause such side effects, the neck typically remains unaffected.
Whether a psychiatric patient experiences neck tilting during an episode depends on the medications they are taking. If the antipsychotic drugs being used are prone to causing spasmodic torticollis, neck tilting usually occurs; however, if the medications do not have this side effect, neck tilting generally does not occur. Specific details are as follows:
1. Neck tilting may occur
Psychiatric patients typically require long-term treatment with antipsychotic medications. Some of these medications may stimulate the central nervous system in the brain, leading to nerve spasms and resulting in spasmodic torticollis. During an episode, this may manifest as neck tilting.
2. Neck tilting does not occur
Psychiatric disorders themselves do not cause neck tilting. Therefore, if the medication taken by the patient does not lead to spasmodic torticollis, neck tilting generally will not occur during an episode.
Regardless of whether neck tilting occurs, immediate intervention should be taken during an episode to prevent worsening of the condition. After initial treatment, patients should visit a reputable hospital for a thorough evaluation by a physician. If necessary, the treatment plan may need to be adjusted or changed.
