Cervical dystonia (also known as spasmodic torticollis) is a type of focal dystonia that affects the neck muscles. Dystonia is a group of neurological conditions that affect movement, and focal dystonias affect a single part of the body. In cervical dystonia, the muscles of the neck are overactive, causing painful spasms or muscle trembling. These can cause repetitive involuntary head movements, which can force the head into uncomfortable positions. The muscle contractions can be long or short lasting. This can lead to altered posture, which may cause ongoing pain in other parts of the body. The symptoms range widely between individuals with some people experiencing very few, small twitches, whilst others may experience chronic severe pain. Cervical dystonia usually has an unknown cause, or it can be genetic or caused by an injury.

When cervical dystonia occurs at the same time as dystonia in other parts of the body, or other symptoms such as ataxia or parkinsonism, it is classified as a different type of dystonia or condition. In some cases, cervical dystonia may be diagnosed at first, before being reclassified as a different type of dystonia or condition when other symptoms develop later in life.

Below on this page is some information about this condition as well as links to useful resources for Australians living with a rare disease.

Synonyms: Spasmodic torticollis, isolated cervical dystonia, primary cervical dystonia, spasmodic wryneck, torticollis, Dystonia-24, Dystonia-23.

Universal rare disease classifications provide a common language for recording, reporting and monitoring diseases. Please visit the Rare Disease Classifications page for more information about these internationally recognised classifications.

ORPHA:1866 Focal, segmental or multifocal dystonia

ORPHA:420492 Adult-onset cervical dystonia, DYT23 type

ICD-11: 8A02.0Y Other specified primary dystonia

Rare diseases typically display a high level of symptom complexity. There is often a wide range of symptoms and the symptoms may vary between individuals in terms of its presentation, severity, duration and impact.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the symptoms of this condition.

Rare diseases are often serious and progressive, exhibiting a high degree of symptom complexity, leading to significant disability. Majority of the estimated two million Australians living with a rare disease meet the Australian Government’s definition for disability (in accordance to the Australian Public Service Commission and Australian Bureau of Statistics), and many experience severe and permanent disability impacts. If you or someone you care for is experiencing disability-related impacts from a rare condition, please speak with a health or disability professional for advice. Information about relevant disability support can be found at the RARE Portal’s Disability Support Information page.

The cause of cervical dystonia is usually unknown (idiopathic).

In some cases, dystonia, including cervical dystonia, may be associated with certain genes.

Injury to the brain areas that control movement can also cause cervical dystonia. Injury can be physical, such as a stroke, or caused by certain medications, drugs or toxins.

A timely diagnosis is critical for better patient outcomes, the provision of the best possible care and treatment options, access to services and support, increased reproductive confidence and the ability to participate in clinical trials.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the available diagnostic pathways for this condition.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the possible treatment or management options for your condition. Treatment will depend on an individual’s specific condition and symptoms. It is also important to stay connected to your medical team so that you can be made aware of any upcoming clinical trial opportunities.

Healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with cervical dystonia may include general practitioners (GP), neurologists, physiotherapists, and surgeons. The need for different healthcare professionals may change over a person’s lifetime and extend beyond those listed here.

Clinical care for rare diseases often involves a multidisciplinary team of medical, care and support professionals. Please note that the information provided here is as a guide and that RVA does not necessarily monitor or endorse specific clinics or health experts.

For many rare diseases, palliative care services may be relevant and useful. Palliative care services are available for people (adults, children and their families) living with a life-limiting illness and is not only for end-of-life care. It can also help at any stage of illness from diagnosis onwards, and will look different for different people. Palliative care services provide assistance, support, resources and tools to help people manage their illness and the symptoms, ease pain, and improve comfort and quality of life. If this is relevant to you and you wish to find out more information about palliative care and how it can help you, please visit:

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Palliative care Overview
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Palliative care
• Palliative Care Australia

If you know of any relevant care guidelines, please let us know via the Contribute page.

Individuals living with rare diseases may have complex medical issues and disabilities, which are not always visible. It is often useful to refer to their medical history as well as personal information such as a medical card, doctor’s letter, or if available, a rare disease passport, for relevant information.

If you know of any relevant emergency management guidelines or information relevant to emergency care, please let us know via the Contribute page.

There are specific considerations around participating in rare disease research, including clinical trials. It is important to be mindful of issues such as data privacy, research ethics, consent and differences in research regulations between Australia and other countries. For more information, please visit the RARE Portal’s Considerations for Participating in Health and Medical Research page.

If you are interested in finding clinical trials for your condition, please visit the following websites; however, there may not be any clinical trials available:

• Australian Clinical Trials
• ClinicalTrials.gov

It is best to discuss your interest in research, including clinical trials,  with your medical team to determine suitability and eligibility.

Australian Organisation:
Dystonia Network of Australia Inc.
Website: https://dystonia.org.au/

Please note that RVA does not monitor or endorse each group/organisation’s operational governance and activities. When engaging with a group, please consider the information on the RARE Portal’s Finding Helpful Peer and Community Supports page.

Cervical dystonia varies between individuals, and each person’s experience is unique.

If you would like to share your personal story with RVA, please visit the Rare Voices Australia: Share Your Story page. RVA will consider your story for publishing on our website and inclusion on the RARE Portal.

For information on available government and social services that provide support for individuals with a rare disease, please visit the National and State Services pages.

People living with a rare disease often face unique challenges such as diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, limited treatment options, and limited access to rare disease specialists and support. These challenges may impact people’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Many find it helpful to seek mental health and wellbeing support to cope with ongoing stress and uncertainty. Connecting with people who have shared experiences through a support group may also be helpful. Information about relevant mental health and wellbeing support can be found at:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Australians Living with a Rare Disease
• The National and State Services pages underneath the ‘Mental Health’ sections listed

Further information on cervical dystonia can be found at:

• Brian Foundation: Cervical Dystonia
• Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center: Dystonia 23
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Cervical Dystonia

GeneReviews: Monogenic Isolated Dystonia Overview

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM®: #602124 Dystonia 7, torsion; DYT7

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM®: #614860 Dystonia 23; DYT23

Orphanet: Focal, segmental or multifocal dystonia

Orphanet: Adult-onset cervical dystonia, DYT23 type

Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO): Adult-onset cervical dystonia, DYT23 type

This page has been developed by Rare Voices Australia (RVA)’s RARE Portal team. If you would like to see more information added to this page, please reach out via the Contact form. If you would like to share relevant resources for this condition, please visit the Contribute page.

If you are aware of any additional information that may benefit stakeholders with an interest in this page, or if you notice any broken links or inaccurate information, please let us know via the Contribute page.