Torticollis
- Causes and Risk Factors
Causes of Torticollis
The causes are unclear but in some cases, it can be due to birth trauma or "packing disorder" (packing disorder refers to: first born baby; big baby >4kg at birth; decreased fluid space surrounding baby). These can lead to damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) in the neck; causing the head to be tilted to one side.
Secondary Causes
- Squint
- Plagiocephaly
- Cervical spine problems
- Hearing
- Brachial Plexus injury
Risk Factors of Torticollis
- Female
- Newborn and children under age 10
- Family member with torticollis or similar disorders
- Twin / Multiple pregnancies
Complications
- Plagiocephaly
- Facial asymmetry
- Contracture of SCM
