Cervical Dystonia — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyMovement DisordersCervical DystoniaSCE Neurology

A 45-year-old woman presents with cervical dystonia causing her head to turn involuntarily to the right (torticollis). She has pain in the right sternocleidomastoid. What is the first-line treatment?

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Correct answer: C — Botulinum toxin A injection

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as E

Botulinum toxin injection is the first-line treatment for focal dystonias including cervical dystonia (torticollis). It is injected into the affected muscles and provides relief for 3–4 months per treatment cycle. A: Oral anticholinergics are second-line and cause systemic side effects. C: DBS is reserved for severe, refractory generalised or segmental dystonia. D/E: Baclofen and clonazepam are adjunctive options but not first-line for focal dystonia.

Reference: ABN Dystonia Guidelines; NICE IPG76 Botulinum Toxin for Dystonia