Differential Diagnosis and Management of Abnormal Posture of the Head and Neck

Yim, Shin Young; Lee, Il Yung; Park, Myong Chul; Kim, Jang Hee

doi:2009.52.7.705

J Korean Med Assoc > Volume 52(7); 2009 > Article

Continuing Education Column

Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2009;52(7):705-718.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2009.52.7.705

Differential Diagnosis and Management of Abnormal Posture of the Head and Neck

Shin Young Yim, Il Yung Lee, Myong Chul Park, Jang Hee Kim

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Ajou Torticollis Clinic, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. syyim@ajou.ac.kr, iylee@ajou.ac.kr
²Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery/Ajou Torticollis Clinic, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. mpark@ajou.ac.kr
³Department of Pathology/Ajou Torticollis Clinic, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. mrkjhk@yahoo.co.kr

Abstract

Abnormal posture of the head and neck can happen to anybody from neonates to adults, which requires appropriate interventions according to etiologies. Congenital muscular torticollis is the most common cause of abnormal posture of the head and neck in infancy, where early intervention as soon as possible is critical for better therapeutic outcome. Childhood laterocollis is heterogeneous condition, which needs etiological diagnosis for the proper management. Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal dystonia and an overview on clinical presentations and therapeutic options including chemodenervation with botulinum toxin injection was provided. Abnormal posture of the head and neck of acute onset could be a sign of serious conditions and needs differential diagnosis.

Key Words: Congenital muscular torticollis, Cervical dystonia, Acute torticollis, Laterocollis, Superior oblique palsy