What goes wrong in the basal ganglia is still unknown. Spontaneous recovery has been reported in about 10 percent of patients, but this is highly unpredictable. Usually the torticollis reaches a plateau and remains stable within five years of onset. This form of focal dystonia is unlikely to spread to become generalized dystonia, though patients with generalized dystonia may also have torticollis. Occasionally, there may be associated focal dystonia of the eyelids, face, and hand.
Patients usually have no neurological deficit other than torticollis.
About 20 percent, however, may have a fine tremor of the hand, head, and occasionally the voice. This is called essential tremor. Since the underlying cause of spasmodic torticollis remains unknown, there is as present no cure for the condition. Treatment is directed towards symptomatic relief, the patients usually requiring treatment when they feel the condition is giving rise to disabling pain or when the abnormal neck posture and movement is causing them social embarrassment or is threatening to the job. It is often partially relieved by a gentle touch on the chin or other parts of the face.