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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffResearchers believe that the signs and symptoms of cervical dystonia result from a defect in the brain's ability to process chemical messages that allow brain cells to communicate with each other.
In most cases of cervical dystonia, doctors don't know why some people develop the disorder and others don't. Some cases, however, appear to be linked to:
- Head, neck or shoulder injuries
- Strokes
- Tumors in the brain or spinal cord
- Drugs, including some antipsychotic, anti-nausea and antidepressant agents
- Toxins, such as heavy metals and carbon monoxide
- Dystonias fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dystonias/dystonias.htm. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
- Bang MS, et al. Cervical dystonia. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108327421-3/763666283/1678/124.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50107-3_1714. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
- Stacy M. Epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of cervical dystonia. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):23.
- Singer C, et al. Cervical dystonia: Etiology and pathophysiology. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):9.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Oct. 29, 2008.
- Swope D, et al. Treatment recommendations and practical applications of botulinum toxin treatment of cervical dystonia. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):54.
- Bajwa ZH. Botulinum toxins for dystonia, spasticity and chronic pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- Su M, et al. Anticholinergic poisoning. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- NINDS deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_brain_stimulation/deep_brain_stimulation.htm. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
