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Cervical Dystonia in Infants (Torticollis)
Experienced Birth Injury Lawyers for Infant Cervical Dystonia in Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Cervical dystonia in infants can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical malpractice. This condition, also known as torticollis, affects the neck muscles, causing the baby’s head to tilt to one side while the chin points in the opposite direction. At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our birth injury attorneys understand how devastating this condition can be, leaving children with lifelong complications.
If your child has been diagnosed with cervical dystonia and you suspect it may be related to medical negligence, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At TLF, our Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati birth injury lawyers are here to help. We can review your case, identify signs of medical malpractice, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Call our law firm toll-free at (800) 698-4054 or reach out online to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible.
What is Cervical Dystonia (Torticollis) in Infants?
Cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, is a condition that causes an infant’s neck muscles to contract involuntarily, leading to an abnormal head position. This condition relates to the cervical portion of the spine, rather than the mother’s cervix.
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions, leading to twisting movements or abnormal postures. This is a common feature of cerebral palsy. There are many different kinds of dystonia, including:
- Focal dystonia, which affects a single body part
- Segmental dystonia, which affects two or more adjacent body parts
- Generalized dystonia, which affects most of the body
- Primary dystonia, which is often caused by genetic factors
- Secondary dystonia, which is caused by something identifiable like a traumatic brain injury
What Causes Cervical Dystonia in Infants?
Cervical dystonia in infants can have both congenital and acquired causes. Congenital torticollis often results from tightness or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which may occur due to the baby’s position in the womb or a lack of space during pregnancy.
Birth trauma, such as forceps injuries or vacuum extraction injuries, can also contribute to this condition. Acquired causes may also include infections, injuries, or neurological conditions that affect the neck muscles after birth. Identifying the cause can help guide treatment and improve the child’s outcome.
Early Signs of Cervical Dystonia
While there aren’t signs of cervical dystonia before birth, certain prenatal factors may indicate a higher risk. Some include limited fetal movement in the womb, unusual fetal positioning (like breech presentation), or reduced space in the uterus, which can place pressure on the baby’s neck.
After birth, early signs of cervical dystonia in infants include an asymmetrical face, a flat spot on one side of the baby’s head (positional plagiocephaly), or discomfort during movement. Parents may observe stiffness or tightness in the neck, difficulty turning the head fully, or a preference for looking in one direction or breastfeeding on one side.
Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can improve the baby’s mobility and overall comfort.
Cervical Dystonia Symptoms
Cervical dystonia in infants can present with a variety of physical symptoms, many of which are noticeable during regular interactions with your child. Common symptoms of this neurological disorder include:
- Head tilting to one side
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Stiffness or tightness in the neck muscles
- Preference for looking in one direction
- Flattening on one side of the head (positional plagiocephaly)
- Fussiness or discomfort when moved
If you notice any of these symptoms, consulting a medical professional can help determine the cause and provide guidance for effective care.
How Cervical Dystonia Is Diagnosed in Infants
Cervical dystonia in infants is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a pediatrician or a physician who specializes in pediatric movement disorders. The doctor will assess the baby’s range of motion, muscle tone, and head position.
They may also review the baby’s birth history and observe how the baby moves during everyday activities. In some cases, imaging tests like an ultrasound, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used when diagnosing cervical dystonia to rule out other conditions. In any case, early diagnosis is important for developing an effective treatment plan.
Can Cervical Dystonia Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cervical dystonia. However, certain treatments can help alleviate the symptoms and help those with the condition live more comfortable lives.
Treatment for Cervical Dystonia
Treatments for cervical dystonia in infants focus on improving neck mobility, reducing discomfort, and addressing the underlying cause.
Non-surgical techniques are often the first step and include physical therapy, where gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help improve muscle balance and range of motion. Positioning techniques, such as encouraging the baby to turn their head to the less-preferred side during play or feeding, and supervised tummy time to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, are also common.
In some cases, medical interventions may be needed, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to relax overactive muscles or orthotic devices like collars or braces to support proper neck alignment.
For persistent or severe cases that do not respond to these treatments, surgery may be considered. Surgical options typically involve lengthening or releasing the affected neck muscle, such as the sternocleidomastoid, to improve movement and reduce tightness.
When all other treatments fail, deep brain stimulation surgery may offer relief from symptoms. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) delivers a controlled electrical current into a portion of the basal ganglia of the brain, disrupting the malfunctioning brain signals that are causing the involuntary muscle contractions.
While this has proven to be an effective treatment option for dystonia, it is mainly used to treat primary dystonia, and its efficacy on those with secondary dystonia is questionable. The device has also not been approved by the FDA for use on children younger than 7 years old.
Regardless of the type of treatment, early intervention and a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve outcomes for infants and children with cervical dystonia.
Complications of Untreated Cervical Dystonia
Untreated cervical dystonia in infants can lead to several complications, including long-term muscle imbalance, restricted neck mobility, and developmental delays in motor skills. Over time, the persistent head tilt can result in asymmetry in the face and skull, known as craniofacial deformities, and may affect the alignment of the spine.
Additionally, the limited range of motion can cause difficulties with activities like crawling and walking, impacting the child’s physical development. Physical abnormalities caused by the condition could also result in social issues as the child grows older.
While prenatal care cannot directly prevent cervical dystonia, it plays a vital role in minimizing risks by monitoring the baby’s position in the womb and identifying potential complications during delivery.
When Cervical Dystonia Is Linked to Medical Negligence
Cervical dystonia in infants may be linked to medical negligence when improper care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery contributes to the condition. For example, a healthcare provider’s failure to recognize and address fetal positioning issues, prolonged labor, or the need for a cesarean delivery could increase the risk of muscle or nerve damage in the baby’s neck.
Additionally, the misuse of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can result in birth trauma that leads to cervical dystonia. When these actions or omissions deviate from the standard of care expected in medical practice and cause harm, it may constitute medical negligence. Families in such situations may have the right to pursue legal action to seek compensation and accountability.
Birth Injuries Associated with Cervical Dystonia in Infants
There are a number of other birth injuries associated with cervical dystonia in infants and are often linked to one another through shared causes, such as birth trauma or prolonged pressure during delivery. For example, brachial plexus injuries can occur alongside cervical dystonia when excessive force during delivery stretches or damages the baby’s neck and shoulder nerves.
Infant skull fractures from forceful extraction could result in cranial nerve damage or a brain bleed. Additionally, infants with cervical dystonia often suffer from skull and facial asymmetry due to their heads consistently tilting to one side, which can cause flattening or uneven growth.
Developmental delays may also arise because of their restricted neck movement. This affects the baby’s ability to explore their environment and achieve motor milestones like crawling or sitting.
Filing a Birth Injury Lawsuit for Cervical Dystonia
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In cases of cervical dystonia, this could involve improper use of delivery tools, failure to address fetal positioning issues, or neglecting to take necessary precautions during delivery. If you believe your child’s injury was the result of medical negligence, you can file a birth injury lawsuit by contacting an experienced birth injury attorney. They can review medical records, consult with medical experts, and determine if negligence played a role.
If you have a valid claim, your attorney will work towards gathering evidence, filing a claim within the state’s statute of limitations, and working with legal and medical professionals to build a strong case. If successful, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including current and future treatment, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
You may also recover damages for pain and suffering, lost income if you or your child’s other parent had to leave work to provide care, and other costs related to your child’s condition. This includes other medical conditions that your child has suffered from as a result of cervical dystonia, such as cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia.
Cervical dystonia lawsuits not only help families secure financial resources for their child’s needs but can also hold healthcare providers accountable for preventable mistakes.
How Our Covington and Cincinnati Birth Injury Attorneys Can Help
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our Cincinnati and Covington medical malpractice attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving cervical dystonia and other birth injuries caused by medical malpractice. We understand the challenges families face when a preventable condition affects their child’s health and development.
Our attorneys are skilled in evaluating medical records, working with trusted experts, and building strong cases to prove negligence. With a deep knowledge of birth injury and medical malpractice laws in Ohio and Kentucky, we are committed to securing the compensation families need for medical care, therapy, and other essential support.
We take an empathetic approach to every case, recognizing the emotional toll that birth injuries like cervical dystonia can have on parents and children. Our team is here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and advocate for your family every step of the way. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are dedicated to helping you achieve justice and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the resources your child needs to thrive.
Contact Our Cervical Dystonia Injury Lawyers at TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm Today
If your child has been diagnosed with cervical dystonia due to medical negligence, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead on your own. At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, we are here to support you during this difficult time. Our dedicated birth injury attorneys in Covington, KY and Cincinnati, OH have the knowledge and experience to handle complex medical malpractice cases, helping families throughout the region secure the compensation they need and deserve.
We understand the emotional and financial strain that birth injuries can place on a family. That’s why we approach every case with compassion and determination. Our team works closely with you to gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and fight for the justice your child deserves. From covering medical expenses and therapy costs to seeking compensation for pain and suffering, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Call our law firm toll-free at (800) 698-4054 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team today. You can also call our Northern Kentucky law offices directly at (859) 578-9130, our Southwest Ohio law offices at (513) 651-4130, or contact us online to get started.
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