Anterocollis is a specific form of cervical dystonia (CD) characterized by patterned, repetitive muscle contractions that lead to an involuntary flexion of the neck. This condition causes the head to be pulled forward, often causing the chin to rest on the chest.
Understanding Anterocollis
As a type of dystonia, anterocollis involves involuntary and sustained muscle contractions, twisting, and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. In the case of anterocollis, these contractions specifically affect the neck muscles, resulting in the head being fixed in a forward-flexed position.
- Key Characteristics:
- Neck Flexion: The primary symptom is the involuntary bending of the neck forward.
- Patterned Contractions: The muscle spasms are repetitive and follow a specific pattern.
- Involuntary Movement: Patients cannot consciously control or stop these movements.
Association with Movement Disorders
Anterocollis is often observed in the context of parkinsonian movement disorders. Its presence can be a notable feature in conditions such as:
- Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement.
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting various body functions.
While it can occur as an isolated condition, its frequent association with these disorders highlights its neurological basis.
Impact and Management
Living with anterocollis can significantly impact daily activities, vision, and quality of life due to the fixed neck posture. Management strategies typically focus on alleviating symptoms and improving function. These may include:
- Medications (e.g., anticholinergics, benzodiazepines)
- Botulinum toxin injections into the affected neck muscles
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- In some severe cases, surgical options
For more general information on dystonia, you can refer to resources from organizations like the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health: Dystonia - NINDS.
