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Living with Torticollis

A benign lump in the neck muscle of infants that can cause the neck to tilt.

Understanding Torticollis

Torticollis, as described by GARD, is a benign lesion present from birth in a neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid) of infants.

The lesion is made up of spindle-shaped cells and collagen tissue. GARD lists autosomal dominant inheritance.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is this neck lump found and checked?
Which specialists, such as a pediatrician or physical therapist, should we see?
What can we do to help neck movement?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD lists autosomal dominant inheritance, which means one changed copy of a gene can be enough. It doesn't describe a specific cause.

Also known as: cervical dystonia; congenital torticollis; contracture of neck; fibromatosis colli; inherited torticollis; inherited torticollis (disease)

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · TorticollisGARD ID 4908 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Torticollis.

Explore the Torticollis blog

Explore research for Torticollis

Explore actively recruiting Torticollis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Torticollis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Torticollis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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HealthStoryfor Torticollis

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HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Torticollis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

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