Torticollis Causes & Risks

Causes

The causes are not well understood. Researchers are investigating genetic, environmental, or other underlying mechanisms that may play a role.

Causes may include:

• Genetic defect
• Infant's position during pregnancy or delivery
• Head or neck injury
• Damage or malfunction of the nervous system, specifically the basal ganglia, which is a deep brain structure
• Inner ear or eye problems
• Deformities of the bones or muscles in the neck
• Tumors of the head or neck
• Arthritis of the neck
• Gastroesophageal reflux in infants (passage of acid from the stomach into the throat)
• Use of certain medications, including:
  • Phenothiazines
  • Butyrophenones

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Sex: female
• Age: newborn and children under age 10
• Age: adults aged 30 to 60 years
• Family member with torticollis or similar disorders