Synonyms

• ICD
• Idiopathic Cervical Dystonia
• Spasmodic Torticollis
• Spasmodic Wryneck
• Torticollis

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Cervical dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck that cause abnormal movements and postures of the neck and head. In some cases, these abnormal contractions may be sustained or continuous; in others, they may be present as spasms that can resemble tremor. The severity of cervical dystonia can vary, but the disorder can cause significant pain and discomfort as well as difficulty due to the abnormal postures. Cervical dystonia typically begins in middle age, although it can start in adolescence and young adulthood. The cause of cervical dystonia is unknown, although a genetic susceptibility is thought to underlie some cases. If cervical dystonia begins in infancy or early childhood, secondary causes should be investigated.

Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal dystonia that presents in an office setting. Dystonia is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements and positions (postures). Cervical dystonia is a form of dystonia that involves the neck area. Symptoms may vary among affected individuals, including the age at onset, intensity, presence of pain, and degree of disability.

Resources

WE MOVE (Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders)
5731 Mosholu Avenue
Bronx, NY 10471
USA
Tel: (347)843-6132
Fax: (718)601-5112
Email: wemove@wemove.org
Internet: http://www.wemove.org

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
1 East Wacker Drive
Suite 2430
Chicago, IL 60601-1905
United States
Tel: (312)755-0198
Fax: (312)803-0138
Tel: (800)377-3978
Email: dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org
Internet: http://www.dystonia-foundation.org

National Spasmodic Torticollis Association
9920 Talbert Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: (714)378-9837
Fax: (714)378-9830
Tel: (800)487-8385
Email: NSTAmail@aol.com
Internet: http://www.torticollis.org

NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
TDD: (301)468-5981
Email: me20t@nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Dystonia Society
89 Albert Embankment, 2nd Floor
Vauxhall
London, Intl SE1 7TP
United Kingdom
Tel: 0845 458 6211
Fax: 0845 458 6311
Tel: 0845 458 6322
Email: angie@dystonia.org.uk
Internet: http://www.dystonia.org.uk

MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

European Dystonia Federation
2 Muttoes Court
St Andrews, KY16 9AY,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1436 678799
Fax: 0044 1436 678799
Email: alistair@newton1.co.uk
Internet: http://www.dystonia-europe.org

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

Spasmodic Torticollis ST/Dystonia, Inc.
PO Box 28
Mukwonago, WI 53149
Tel: (262)560-9534
Fax: (262)560-9535
Tel: (888)445-4588
Email: info@spasmodictorticollis.org
Internet: http://www.spasmodictorticollis.org

American Dystonia Society
17 Suffolk Lane
Suite 1
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Tel: (310)237-5478
Fax: (609)275-5663
Email: info@dystonia.us
Internet: http://www.dystonia.us

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  12/17/2010
Copyright  1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2010 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.