Spasmodic torticollis caused by vascular compression of the spinal accessory root

Surg Neurol. 1986 Nov;26(5):431-4. doi: 10.1016/0090-3019(86)90254-5.

Abstract

A case of spasmodic torticollis in a 27-year-old man cured by vascular decompression of the spinal accessory root, without any nerve sectioning, is presented. The nerve compression was produced by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery originating from the vertebral artery at the C-1 level, and was released by transposing the artery from the nerve root, using the divided dentate ligament. The patient was completely free from symptoms after a follow-up period of 3 years. The possible causal importance of nerve compression in spasmodic torticollis is emphasized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accessory Nerve* / blood supply
  • Accessory Nerve* / pathology
  • Adult
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / complications*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery
  • Spasm / etiology*
  • Spasm / physiopathology
  • Torticollis / etiology*
  • Torticollis / physiopathology