Head deviation: the most common sign of Cervical Dystonia1

Cervical Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed for other conditions, but signs and symptoms may aid in an accurate diagnosis.2,3

Common postures involved in Cervical Dystonia

According to a study of 300 patients4:

82%
of patients

Torticollis

(rotated)

42%
of patients

Laterocollis

(to the side)

25%
of patients

Anterocollis

(forward)

29%
of patients

Retrocollis

(backward)

More common features of Cervical Dystonia

Other features that may assist in diagnosing Cervical Dystonia include3,4:

  • Sensory tricks
  • Morning benefit (symptoms are milder in the morning)
  • Tenderness on palpation
  • Frequent and prominent exacerbating factors such as fatigue, stress, motor tasks (eg, driving, walking, or writing)

Neck Pain5

89%

of CD patients

(N = 1037)

Head Tremor4

60%

of CD patients

(N = 300)

Considerations that may aid in diagnosis

  • Palpate neck muscles to assess contraction, muscle mass, and hypertrophy
  • Differentiate between dystonic and essential tremor
  • Have patient move head to determine full range of motion
  • Ask patient about use of sensory tricks
  • Observe head deviation from multiple angles (seated, walking, eyes closed, eyes open)
  • Ask patient about neck pain, impact on daily life, and other features (eg, morning benefit)
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