Pediatric Diseases and ConditionsCongenital Muscular Torticollis
Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck
that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle. The
exact cause of torticollis is unknown. Congenital muscular
torticollis is more likely to occur in firstborn children. This
may also be accompanied by a congenital hip dislocation. The
cause is likely from intrauterine positioning resulting in
injury to the neck muscles. Acquired torticollis may be caused
by irritation to the cervical ligaments from a viral infection,
trauma, or vigorous movement. Additional causes may include:
Sleeping in an awkward position Neck muscle injury at birth Any
injury that causes heavy scarring and skin shrinkage Neck muscle
spasm Torticollis may also be a secondary condition that results
from the following: Slipped facets (two small joints on the side
of the spine) Viral or bacterial infection The following are the
most common symptoms of torticollis. However, each individual
may experience symp