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
33 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 18 tagged with Cervical dystonia itself.
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Brain pacemaker trial aims to tame Parkinson's symptoms
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study follows 300 adults with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who receive deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS uses a device implanted in the chest to send electrical pulses to brain areas controlling movement. Researchers will track symptom severity, medicat…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 20, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Magnetic pulses to the brain may ease neck dystonia symptoms
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study investigates whether a type of noninvasive brain stimulation called continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) can reduce symptoms of cervical dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions in the neck and head. Participants receive either real or sha…
Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Sep 19, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New shot aims to ease neck pain for months longer
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests a new drug, IPN10200, for adults with cervical dystonia—a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms. Current treatments last about 3 months, but IPN10200 is designed to work longer. Around 132 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo injection, a…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Ipsen • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Sep 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Sound waves aimed at the brain could ease twisted neck
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) can reduce symptoms of cervical dystonia, a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms. Researchers will compare two brain targets (globus pallidus and dentate nucleus) against a sham procedure in 48 adults. Part…
Sponsor: Robert Chen • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can vibration straighten your neck? new study investigates
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study explores whether gentle vibrations on neck muscles can help people with cervical dystonia hold their head straighter. Fifty adults with the condition will receive different vibration intensities during a single three-hour lab visit. Researchers will measure head postur…
Sponsor: University of Minnesota • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:08 UTC
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New pill may boost botox for stubborn neck spasms
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis Phase 2 trial tests whether adding valbenazine (a daily pill) to standard botox injections can further reduce neck muscle spasms and pain in people with cervical dystonia. About 20 adults who still have symptoms despite botox will receive either valbenazine or a placebo for …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
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Zinc may extend botox relief for neck dystonia patients
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether taking zinc supplements can help Botox injections last longer for people with cervical dystonia, a condition that causes painful neck muscle spasms. About 25 adults will take either zinc or a placebo daily for 3 months, then switch to the other for anothe…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:32 UTC
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Ultrasound-Guided botox: a sharper shot for stiff necks?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study compares two ways of giving Botox injections for cervical dystonia, a condition that causes painful neck muscle spasms. One method uses ultrasound to see the muscles, the other relies on touch and body landmarks. About 100 adults will receive both types of injections a…
Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:04 UTC
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Personalized exercise program shows promise for neck dystonia relief
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether a personalized exercise program can improve pain, disability, and quality of life in people with cervical dystonia who already receive botulinum toxin injections. Thirty-four participants will be split into two groups: one gets tailored stretching and str…
Sponsor: Prof. Dr. Şehim Kutlay • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:55 UTC