What causes congenital muscular torticollis?
Healthcare providers don’t know what causes the condition. It may be from an abnormal position in the womb. Or it may be from an injury to the neck muscle before birth. This causes scar tissue to form and tighten the neck muscle.
What causes plagiocephaly and torticollis?
Flat head syndrome is caused by tight neck muscles that make it hard for babies to turn their heads. This neck condition is called torticollis. Because it’s hard to turn their head, babies tend to keep their heads in the same position when lying down. This can cause flattening.
Who is at risk for torticollis?
Risk factors for torticollis include a family history of the disorder, congenital abnormalities of the cervical spine, taking drugs that predispose to muscular spasm, and trauma.
Can torticollis be prevented?
Prevention. Torticollis and plagiocephaly can often be prevented, and mild cases can be resolved easily, with an increased awareness of your baby’s position throughout the day. Some other things we’ll address in physical therapy include: Making sure that all caregivers switch which side they hold the baby on.
Can muscular torticollis be cured?
Most babies with torticollis get better through position changes and stretching exercises. It might take up to 6 months to go away completely, and in some cases can take a year or longer. Stretching exercises to treat torticollis work best if started when a baby is 3–6 months old.
Is plagiocephaly caused by torticollis?
Torticollis is a common associated condition with plagiocephaly. As many as 9 out of 10 infants diagnosed with torticollis may also have plagiocephaly.
Does helmet help torticollis?
Some children with plagiocephaly may benefit from wearing a special helmet. Research studies show that the helmet works faster and is more effective than positioning alone, although the decision on whether a helmet is appropriate will be made by a neurosurgeon and a physical therapist.
How serious is torticollis?
Acquired torticollis can be benign (not serious) or a sign of more serious health issues. Because the causes can be so different, it is very important to act quickly so that your child can get the proper care and treatment.
Why is it important to know the root cause of torticollis?
Because there are different types of torticollis, it is important to know the root cause so that your child can get the proper care and treatment as quickly as possible. For children with congenital muscular torticollis, the most common form of pediatric torticollis, the SCM muscle becomes shortened and contracted.
What happens to the SCM muscle in torticollis?
For children with congenital muscular torticollis, the most common form of pediatric torticollis, the SCM muscle becomes shortened and contracted. The SCM muscle runs along each side of the neck and controls how the head moves — side to side, and up and down.
When does torticollis come on in a child?
Acquired torticollis typically occurs in the first four to six months of childhood or later. It may come on quickly or slowly. In contrast to congenital muscular torticollis, there is usually no facial asymmetry with acquired torticollis. Acquired torticollis can be benign (not serious) or a sign of more serious health issues.
How does a doctor diagnose trauma induced torticollis?
Doctors generally diagnose torticollis by taking a medical history, doing a physical exam, and in the case of trauma-induced torticollis, by taking x-rays. Sometimes a CT scan is also needed.