When you ask, “Is infant torticollis curable?” understand that there are many ways to address this condition. Some are simple at-home treatments, while others involve medical procedures. For example, physical therapy can help to strengthen the neck region or improve the infant’s flexibility.
Parents may employ these exercises and stretches at home, or under the guidance of a professional physical therapist, depending on the extent of the condition. In a study from the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, this treatment was successful in 99.2% of infants. Other examples of treatment for torticollis include the following:
- Simple massages and heating mechanisms can help ease symptoms in less serious cases of torticollis.
- Injecting a Botulinum toxin into the child’s neck, which is a type of paralyzing agent meant to stop the contraction of the affected muscles. These injections may have to continue at intervals of three to four months, as the effect of the drug can wear off over time. Using oral medications prescribed by medical staff can help limit the need for multiple injections.
- In severe cases, medical professionals may elect to perform surgery to cut the nerves that control the neck muscles.
- Using deep brain stimulation methods, which involves stimulating the sufferer’s brain with electric pulses, can curb the part of the brain that controls the neck muscles.
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Symptoms Associated with Torticollis
Typically, parents who suspect torticollis will first notice some abnormalities in the infant’s neck or chin. These symptoms often include the head being tilted up, down, or to the side, with the infant being unable to move it properly. The following list details other symptoms of torticollis that infants may exhibit:
- Flat Head Syndrome, in which one region of their head appears to be flat—typically one side or the back of their head
- The child only wants to use one breast while breastfeeding, regularly ignoring the other breast or showing discomfort when turned towards it
- The child becomes agitated or struggles when they try to turn their head towards you
- The child tends to look over the same shoulder when following moving objects or people
- The child habitually moves their head in a single direction, with little deviation
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Untreated Torticollis Can Cause Other Health Concerns
When left untreated, torticollis can begin to impact other areas of the body and affect the child’s long-term mobility and quality of life. Their involuntary muscle contractions can begin spreading to their jaw, face, and arms, which may appear to cause paralysis.
Additionally, infants suffering from torticollis can form bone spurs, which reduce the amount of space in the spinal canal. As a result, the child may experience tingling sensations, numbness, and weakness in their extremities. The longer the condition goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more likely the child is to face permanent side effects.
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Reasons Torticollis Occurs in Infants
Although physicians are not quite sure why torticollis happens, many cases get linked to birth injuries. Medical staff may be held liable for causing the condition after making a mistake or committing a negligent act during the birthing process.
One example of negligence that may cause torticollis is when a doctor fails to address the child’s abnormal position inside the uterus before birth. This can then cause them to be born in a breech position, with their buttocks facing the birth canal and leaving their head, neck, and upper body vulnerable to injury. According to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), torticollis occurs in around 1.8% of breech births.
Another act of negligence could be the improper use of tools during the birthing process, including forceps or vacuum extraction tools. When not used with care, these tools can lead to injuries that cause nerve damage and brain injuries.
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Birth Injury Lawyers Fighting for Torticollis Victims
If you find yourself asking, “Is infant torticollis curable?” your child could be the victim of medical negligence. Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our attorneys serve families whose children have suffered birth injuries at the hands of a doctor or other medical professional.
If we can prove the liability for your birth injury case, you may be able to secure compensation for your baby’s treatments and pain. Our law firm can be there to help fight for your compensation every step of the way, assisting with settlement negotiations, investigations, gathering evidence, taking your case to trial, and more.
To learn about our legal services for torticollis victims, contact a representative at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529 and receive a free consultation.
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