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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New pill could ease neck dystonia symptoms
Symptom relief Stopped earlyThis study tests an experimental oral medication, MTR-601, for people with cervical dystonia, a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms and abnormal head posture. About 80 adults will receive either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks to see if it safely reduces symptoms. The …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Motric Bio • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Sep 19, 2026 00:00 UTC
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3D scans reveal hidden Muscle's role in twisted neck disorder
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study looked at how a small neck muscle called the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) contributes to abnormal head rotation in cervical dystonia. Researchers used 3D CT scans to measure muscle function before and after botulinum toxin injections in 21 adults. The goal was to be…
Sponsor: Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC