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Spasmodic torticollis: the problem of pathophysiology and assessment

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Summary

In 17 patients with idiopathic spasmodic torticollis (ST) quantitative indices for both signs (extent and direction of the head deflexions) and complaints (of deflexion, shaking and pain) were collected. In the literature deflexion in the horizontal plane is most frequently considered, but analysis of the data shows that deflexion in the coronal and sagittal planes is also important. Furthermore, it is found that especially the deflexions in the coronal and sagittal plane covariate with the patients' complaints, but not with horizontal deflexion. On the basis of these and related data, it is suggested that we are dealing with at least two subtypes of ST. Finally, the patient's neuroticism and depression scale values are within the normal range and do not show significant correlations with ST duration. The present study provides no evidence that ST is a psychogenic disorder. ST should be regarded as a central nervous system disorder of unknown aetiology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, St. Radboud Hospital, University of Nijmegen, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    J. J. M. van Hoof & M. W. I. Horstink

  2. Department of Medical Psychology, St. Radboud Hospital, University of Nijmegen, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    H. J. C. Berger & K. P. M. van Spaendonck

  3. Department of Pharmacology, St. Radboud Hospital, University of Nijmegen, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    A. R. Cools

Authors
  1. J. J. M. van Hoof
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  2. M. W. I. Horstink
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  3. H. J. C. Berger
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  4. K. P. M. van Spaendonck
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  5. A. R. Cools
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van Hoof, J.J.M., Horstink, M.W.I., Berger, H.J.C. et al. Spasmodic torticollis: the problem of pathophysiology and assessment. J Neurol 234, 322–327 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00314288

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00314288

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