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Torticollis (wry neck)

Torticollis (wry neck)


Torticollis is a form of dystonia (prolonged muscle contractions) in which the neck muscles, particularly the sternocleidomastoid muscle, contract involuntarily causing the head to turn. Torticollis may occur without known cause (idiopathic), be genetic (inherited), or be acquired secondary to damage to the nervous system or muscles.

Review Date: 6/12/2006
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
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