Torticollis

Introduction

In general, acute torticollis is not life threatening. If symptoms are limited to muscle stiffness and pain, see your doctor in at least a day.

If you hurt your neck and can't get in touch with your doctor, head straight to the emergency room of a hospital. Torticollis may seem like another medical ailment that requires emergency care. For example, anyone who experiences spasms of the neck muscles involved with swallowing or breathing or symptoms that might involve the central nervous system should be evaluated.

The following signs point to a possible central nervous system damage or irritation:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Pins-and- needles feeling or numbness in your arms and legs
• Urinary hesitancy, urinary or fecal incontinence
• Weakness in your arms and legs
• Impaired speech
• Difficulty walking

Outlook

Most people with acute torticollis are successfully treated with medication. The medicine should be stopped if it was the cause of the spasm. Local botulinum toxin injections are an effective treatment for spasmodic torticollis. a poison combined with prescription drugs. In the event that these conservative approaches are ineffective, neck nerve surgery may be tried. Many patients get immediate relief following surgery, but most relapse after a few months.

For the great majority of people with acute torticollis, the condition goes away in several days to a few weeks. A small number of people will go on to develop continuing problems with their neck  for months to years.