MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Torticollis (wry neck)

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Torticollis (wry neck)

Torticollis is a form of dystonia (prolonged muscle contractions) in which the neck muscles, particularly the sternocleidomastoid muscle, contract involuntarily causing the head to turn. Torticollis may occur without known cause (idiopathic), be genetic (inherited), or be acquired secondary to damage to the nervous system or muscles.

Update Date: 6/12/2006

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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