Torticollis

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Torticollis (wry neck)

Wry neck; Loxia

• Limited range of motion of the head
• Headache
• Head tremor
• Neck pain
• Shoulder is higher on one side of the body
• Stiffness of neck muscles
• Swelling of the neck muscles (possibly present at birth)

Various tests or procedures may be done to rule out possible causes of head and neck pain. A physical examination will show a visible shortening of the neck muscles and the head will tilt toward the affected side while the chin points to the opposite side. In more severe cases, the entire head pulls and turns to one side

A electromyogram (EMG) may be done in mild cases to see which muscles are most affected.

Review Date: 06/01/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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