This type of dystonia often results from stroke. It can leave individuals seriously disabled and confined to a wheelchair. Spasmodic torticollis, or torticollis, is the most common of the focal dystonias. In torticollis, the muscles in the neck that control the position of the head are affected, causing the head to twist and turn to one side. In addition, the head may be pulled forward or backward.
Torticollis can occur at any age, although most individuals first experience symptoms in middle age.
It often begins slowly and usually reaches a plateau. About 10 to 20 percent of those with torticollis experience a spontaneous remission, but unfortunately the remission may not be lasting. Blepharospasm, the second most common focal dystonia, is the involuntary, forcible closure of the eyelids. The first symptom may be uncontrollable blinking. Only one eye may be affected initially, but eventually both eyes are usually involved.