Torticollis

Torticollis, also known as a crick in the neck, wry neck, or loxia is a dystonic condition defined by an abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position. The child has a limited range of motion in the head and neck. The head tilts to one side while the chin tilts to the other. Usually there is a tightening of muscles and the patient is unable to have full range of motion.

When she was 7 months old, Kiara gave us our first scare. She developed a fever and was unable to lift her head off her shoulder. We took her to the pediatrician, who rushed us to the ER fearing it was meningitis.  Fortunately, tests results came back negative and a CT-scan showed no blockage in her neck. With pain meds, she regain full range of motion. Doctors reassured us that “tumors don’t go away with Advil.” After two days in the hospital, we were discharged with a diagnosis of torticollis. Looking back I believe her brain tumor was there in its early stages, and this was our first missed sign.