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Cervical dystonia
MONDO:0000481Cervical dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by excessive pulling of the muscles of the neck and shoulder resulting in abnormal movements of the head (dystonia).Most commonly, the head turns to one side or the other.Tilting sideways, or to the back or front may also occur.The turning or tilting movements may be accompanied by shaking movement (tremor) and/or soreness of the muscles of the neck and shoulders.Cervical dystonia can occur at any age, but most cases occur in middle age. It often begins slowly and usually reaches a plateau over a few months or years. The cause of cervical dystonia is often unknown. In some cases there is a family history. Several genes have been associated with cervical dystonia, including GNAL, THAP1, CIZ1, and ANO3. Other cases may be linked to an underlying disease (e.g. Parkinson disease), neck trauma, or certain medications. Treatment may include local injections of botulinum toxin, pain medications, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications), anticholinergics,physical therapy, or surgery.
Also known as: spasmodic torticollis
29 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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New injection for neck spasms tested in 500 patients
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at the safety and immune response of MYOBLOC (botulinum toxin type B) injections in 502 adults with cervical dystonia, a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms. Participants received injections and were monitored for about 12 weeks. The goal was to see if …
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Solstice Neurosciences, LLC, a subsidiary of US WorldMeds, LLC • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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Brain study sheds light on Parkinson's and tics
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke aimed to better understand how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and dystonia. Over 1,200 adults—both patients …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could a gentle brain zap ease neck dystonia?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, applied over the cerebellum, can change brain activity and reduce symptoms in people with cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms). Fifteen participants received real and sham (fake) stimulati…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Scientists scan brains to uncover chemical clues in dystonia
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study used PET and MRI brain scans to measure how a brain chemical called acetylcholine works in people with dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle twisting. Researchers compared 31 adults with cervical or DYT1 dystonia to healthy volunteers. The goal was to be…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Dystonia study reveals hidden brain changes beyond muscle twists
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 102 adults with dystonia, a condition causing involuntary muscle contractions. Researchers used questionnaires and brain wave recordings to assess memory, attention, mood, and decision-making. The goal was to better understand the non-motor symptoms of dyston…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Walking under the microscope: Botox's hidden effects on movement revealed
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms) and blepharospasm (eye muscle spasms) affect walking. Researchers measured gait in 40 participants before and after botulinum toxin treatment to see if it improves walking patterns. The goal was to better understand …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Grenoble • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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Brain scans reveal why dystonia patients feel out of control
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how people with cervical or myoclonus dystonia perceive their own actions, known as the 'sense of agency.' Researchers used computer tasks and brain scans to measure how accurately participants felt in control of their movements. The goal was to link these fe…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Wrist-Worn gadget could help doctors monitor Parkinson's at home
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a wrist-worn device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) to see if it can accurately measure movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Nineteen participants wore the device while researchers compared its readings to standard clinical tests and video…
Sponsor: Global Kinetics Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC