brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Cervical Dystonia
Symptoms of Cervical Dystonia
Symptoms of cervical dystonia may begin at any age but usually begin between the ages of 20 and 60, most often between ages 30 and 50. Symptoms usually begin gradually. Rarely, they begin suddenly and progress rapidly. Sometimes symptoms begin with shaking the head from side to side, as if people are shaking their head to say no. Some neck muscles may contract and stay contracted, or they may contract intermittently, twisting the neck. The contractions may be painful. The head may be turned to one side or pulled forward or backward. Sometimes one of the shoulders is raised. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Usually, the spasms worsen slowly for 1 to 5 years, then plateau. In about 10 to 20% of people, they disappear on their own, within 5 years from when symptoms begin. Spasms are more likely to disappear when they are mild and begin at a young age. However, they may persist for life, restricting movement and permanently twisting the head, neck, and shoulders in a distorted position. 