Cervical Rhythmic Movement Disorder

Cervical rhythmic movement disorder actually refers to cervical dystonia, which is also called spasmodic torticollis. Neck muscles involuntarily contract, causing the head to twist to one side and possibly forward or backward. This type of movement disorder is rare and can occur at any age. Although no cure exists for those diagnosed with cervical dystonia, it does sometimes resolve itself. Botulinum toxin injections, medications, physical therapy and sometimes surgery are used for pain management treatments.

Symptoms

• The muscle contractions and twisting involved with cervical dystonia vary, but more often than not, slow and sustained pulling of the chin toward the shoulder is the most common movement associated with the disorder. However, some people have several abnormal head posture combinations, such as ear to shoulder, or chin straight up or down. Head jerking can also be an issue. Other symptoms include tremors in the arms and hands or shoulder elevation, where the shoulder of the affected side pulls upward toward the ear.

Causes

• Doctors have difficulty discerning why some people develop this disorder while others do not. According to the Mayo Clinic, some researchers within the medical community believe the signs and symptoms of cervical dystonia stem from brain dysfunction, where the processing chemical messages that enable the brain cells to properly communicate with one another are dysfunctional. Cervical dystonia has been linked to certain events, such as head, neck or shoulder injuries; stroke; brain or spinal cord tumors; certain drugs, which include various antipsychotic, antidepressant and antinausea agents; and toxins, such as carbon monoxide or heavy metals.

Risk Factors

• As noted by the Mayo Clinic, age, sex and family history all contribute to the risk factors of developing this movement disorder. In regards to age, people from infancy into old age are affected. However, people between the ages of 40 and 60 are most typically affected. Both males and females can get cervical dystonia, but women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disorder. Furthermore, those with a family history of movement disorder are at higher risk of potentially developing the disorder themselves.

Complications

• Numerous complications can arise from cervical dystonia. Irreversible nerve damage can occur from sustained muscle contractions, causing pain, numbness and tingling. What was once only one part of the body being affected, as is the case with this movement disorder, can go on to being multiple areas being afflicted with movement disorder. As a result of the pain and disability caused from all these complications, depression can develop.

Treatment

• Typical treatment for cervical dystonia includes Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. Botox temporarily reduces or completely paralyzes muscle spasms at the injection site, providing temporary pain relief. Medicine may be used in conjunction with Botox, along with physical therapy. While Botox has proven to be fairly safe, some patients experience temporary side effects, such as muscle soreness or weakness at the injection site; total body muscle soreness; swallowing difficulty; or a temporary red rash. Surgery is rarely performed and only done in extreme cases with no guarantee of a positive outcome.