Question 1

how effective is deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

~50% response rate: This is a non-fda approved indication for dbs. However, patients who fail medical therapies, including botox, can be considered. Approximately 50% of patients respond.

Question 2

what to do if i have deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

Accepted Answer

DBS does treat this: You can use DBS for spasmodic torticollis, if medial therapies are failing, including botox. Very effective (80%) for this condition.

Question 3

can you tell me about deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

Accepted Answer

DBS: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used in extreme cases to treat dystonia. The surgery involves implanting electrodes into a region of the brain, the globus pallidus, to help reduce tone in the muscles which is causing the torticollis. The efficacy of the surgery is somewhat related to genetic factors and also related to how long a person has been symptomatic. More chronic cases are harder to treat.

Question 4

can deep brain stimulation surgery treat spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is a non-fda approved indication. It is effective in approximately 50% of patients.

Question 5

what is spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

Spasmodic torticolli: Spasmodic torticollis is an extremely painful chronic neurological movement disorder causing the neck to involuntarily turn to the left, right, upwards, and/or downwards. The condition usually occurs in midlife. (wikipedia) http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/spasmodic_torticollis  the new treatment that is very effective is botulinum toxin injections.

Question 6

how is spasmodic torticollis detected?

Accepted Answer

Spasmodic torticolli: Spasmodic torticollis is an extremely painful chronic neurological movement disorder causing the neck to involuntarily turn to the left, right, upwards, and/or downwards. The condition usually occurs in midlife. (wikipedia) http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/spasmodic_torticollis  the new treatment that is very effective is botulinum toxin injections. It is easily detected because it is very painful.

Question 7

can drugs cause spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly: There are certain drugs that work by blocking the action of dopamine, most of which are medications to treat psychosis or nausea (haldol, thorazine, phenergan, (promethazine) reglan) that can cause a "dystonic reaction" where the head is pulled involuntarily to one side, which would appear the same as someone with spasmodic torticollis.

Question 8

what are symptoms of spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

Turning to one side: Spasmodic torticollos is a nerve-based problem which results in muscles of the neck inappropriately turning to one side consistently.  It can be painful and usually cannot be overcome by simply using the hands to push the face back to center.  
There are treatments for this, though, including pills that alter the signal from the brain to the muscles as well as Botox to weaken the neck muscles.

Question 9

what are the causes of spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Spasmodic torticollis  is a focal dystonia ( like blepharospasm and writer, s cramp) in which neck cannot be kept straight and is turned to one side. The cause of focal dystonia, s is not clear and even though some psychogenic factors seem to play a part in the start of some of these symptoms we do not know why or how the process continues.

Question 10

what oral medications can help spasmodic torticollis?

Accepted Answer

Spasmodic Torticolli: Anticholinergic agents, baclofen, klonopin, (clonazepam) if detected early. Another older medications are Dopamine blockers, but are out of fashion due to severe side-effects.

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Stimulation spasmodic torticollis

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How effective is deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis?

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What to do if i have deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

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Can you tell me about deep brain stimulation for spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

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Can deep brain stimulation surgery treat spasmodic torticollis dystonia?

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What is spasmodic torticollis?

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How is spasmodic torticollis detected?

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Can drugs cause spasmodic torticollis?

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What oral medications can help spasmodic torticollis?

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