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Critical torticollis is one of the most common forms of dystonia. By dystonia we mean the uncontrolled build-up of muscle tension and slow, involuntary movements that lead to distorted positioning of the limbs and torso. Spasmodic torticollis is resistant to treatment, and the final form of treatment is surgical dissection of the muscle grafts.
What is spasmodic torticollis?
Spasmodic torticollis can be generalized – it begins then in childhood and is a severe disease that leads to immobilization. Much more often, dystonia begins only in adults and is restricted to certain muscle groups. The most common dystonias, in addition to spasmodic torticollis, include blepharospasm, spasm of half of the face or hand (writer’s cramp). Critical torticollis should not be ignored as it has a tendency to relapse. The chronic nature of this condition can lead to difficulties in carrying out the simplest daily activities and debilitating pain. Taking the right kind of treatment gives you relief and eases your anxiety. However, it should be started as soon as possible.
Treatment of spasmodic torticollis
Spasmodic torticollis is very resistant to treatment. It is worth regularly applying Visiomed thermotherapy gel compresses to the nape of the neck. A good, but usually transient, treatment effect can be obtained by administering anticholinergic drugs. The modern standard of treatment is injecting the affected muscles with botulinum toxin. It causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles for several weeks, restoring the correct position of the head and causing the pain to disappear. The last resort is the surgical severing of muscle attachments or nerve roots containing motor nerve fibers running to the affected muscles.
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