Torticollis

Torticollis is the name given to a persistent spasm of a muscle - the sternomastoid muscle - which runs between the back of the ear and the breastbone, The sternomastoid muscles are responsible for us turning our heads. This causes the head to be pulled down towards shoulder on the affected side. This can present in infancy as a result of a condition called a sternomastoid tumour (a tumour means a swelling, not necessarily a Cancer). This is a developmental abnormality where there is a small firm nodule in the middle of the body of the sternomastoid muscle, causing the head to be pulled to that side. It resolves over a short period of time, helped by gentle physiotherapy. Torticollis in older children or adolescents is usually a result of muscle strain.
 
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