Torticollis: a review of etiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment.

A literature review of the etiology and pathology of torticollis has been undertaken from which six classifications are suggested and discussed. Evidence is presented that the neuromuscular control mechanisms pertinent to the cervical spine are vulnerable at various levels and that a specific etiology of torticollis is yet to be identified. A brief discussion of the diagnosis and treatment of torticollis is presented.