Behavioural Neurology (Jan 1996)

Spasmodic Torticollis—A Multicentre Study on Behavioural Aspects II: Signs, Symptoms and Course

  • F. Heinen,
  • C. E. Scheidt,
  • T. Nickel,
  • O. Rayki,
  • J. Wissel,
  • W. Poewe,
  • R. Benecke,
  • G. Arnold,
  • W. Oertel,
  • R. Dengler,
  • G. Deuschl

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3233/BEN-1996-9204
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 2
pp. 81 – 88

Abstract

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This paper deals with signs, symptoms and course in spasmodic torticollis (ST). Two hundred and fifty-six patients were included in the study, 59.3% women, 40.7% men. The mean age was 49.1 years. Rotating torticollis out-numbered latero- and antero-retrocollis. A family history of ST occurred in 3.1% of the total sample. First degree relatives were affected in 2.3%. Thirty-four per cent of the patients had additional dystonic symptoms. Most frequently these affected the upper extremities (13%), and less often the legs. Of the patients 19.1% had experienced a period of complete remission. The correlations between the severity of the signs and the neurological symptoms are surprisingly weak.