Early symptoms of spasmodic torticollis

Aug 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Sometimes, after excessive work, the neck may experience uncontrollable twitching. When noticing something might be wrong and going to the hospital for examination, it is discovered to be early-stage spasmodic torticollis. What other symptoms might appear in the early stages of this condition?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian

Spasmodic torticollis is a condition characterized by involuntary contractions or spasms of the neck muscles and is classified as a type of dystonia. In the early stages, patients may experience the following symptoms:

1. Neck discomfort: Patients may feel pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck. These sensations may not be obvious at first but can persist and are easily overlooked. As the condition worsens, the discomfort in the neck may gradually increase.

2. Abnormal head posture: Early-stage patients may notice their head beginning to tilt to one side or exhibit slight forward or backward movement. These changes in head position may become more noticeable during specific activities or postures.

3. Neck muscle spasms: The neck muscles may become stiff and rigid, potentially even preventing the arm from fully extending, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life and work.

4. Motor coordination problems: When performing tasks requiring fine motor control, such as reading, writing, or using a computer, patients may find these activities more difficult or clumsy than usual.

If the aforementioned symptoms persist or gradually worsen, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation at a hospital immediately.