Q: What is torticollis?
A: Torticollis is a medical term for a rare condition in which the neck muscles contract, causing the neck to twist to one side. This condition can also be called wryneck or loxia. The most common type of torticollis causes the chin to pull toward one shoulder, which can result in limited range of head and neck motion, neck stiffness, and/or headache.
Q: What causes torticollis in infants?
A: In infants, this is usually a result of awkward positioning in the womb or difficult childbirth. Common causes of torticollis aside from negligence include the following:
– Fetal spinal misalignment
– Sudden braking in a vehicle
– Excessive time spent on back
– Fall from height
– Congenital deformities
– Genetic predisposition
However, if your infant suffers from torticollis and was delivered using any of the following techniques or methods, there is a possibility that medical negligence played a role in the development of the disease:
– Vacuum-assisted delivery
– Forceps-assisted delivery
– Improper delivery technique
Not only is it possible to be afflicted with torticollis as a result of medical negligence, negative outcomes can also result from a delay in diagnosis. These delays can delay potential interventions, and can lead to lifelong deformities.
Q: Can torticollis be treated?
There are several methods of treatment for torticollis, depending on the severity and anatomic aspects of each individual case. Treatment options include the following:
– Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
– Physical therapy
– Stretching exercises
– Muscle relaxants
– Anti-inflammatory medications
– Physical devices
– Surgery
While the majority of torticollis-affected infants will go on to improve over the following days to weeks, a fraction will go on to develop continuing problems with their neck for months to years, often resulting in significant impairment to quality of life. In these cases, it is crucial to know whether this result could have been prevented.
Q: How can I be sure that my infant’s case of torticollis was not caused by medical negligence?
If your child is suffering from neck pain, headaches, and limited range of motion, and was delivered using any of the techniques mentioned above, it is possible that their injury was caused by medical negligence. It is impossible to know if this is the case without the review of medical records and a thorough investigation by an experienced birth injury attorney or a personal injury lawyer Lakeland, FL residents trust.
Thank you to the David & Philpot, P.L law firm for the above information.
