Spasmodic torticollis is a distressing condition, characterised by involuntary and intermittent spasm of neck muscles, which in time become hypertrophied. It should be distinguished from a tic. Its incidence has been estimated at 1 in 1200 psychiatric referrals. Its relative rarity is a possible reason for the sparseness of the literature, which in turn helps to explain the confusion surrounding its aetiology. This is still unknown, but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that spasmodic torticollis is of interest as a model of “psychosomatic” illness, in that the convergence of a number of organic, personality, and situational factors may be necessary for its production.
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