Head deviation: one of the most common signs of Cervical Dystonia (N = 201)1

Cervical Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed for other conditions, but signs and symptoms may aid in an accurate diagnosis2,3

66% of Cervical Dystonia patients have a combination of these common postures (N = 300)4:

Torticollis

(rotation)

Laterocollis

(tilt)

Anterocollis

(flexion)

Retrocollis

(extension)

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 patients

(N = 1037)

Dystonic Head-Neck Tremor4

60%

of patients

(N = 272)

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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