The influence of spasmodic torticollis on the clinical prognosis of patients with neurogenic dysphagia

Abstract

Objective To observe the influence of spasmodic torticollis on the rehabilitation prognoses of patients with neurogenic dysphagia.Methods One hundred and three dysphagic patients were recruited,of which 82 had spasmodic torticollis and 21 did not.The subjects with spasmodic torticollis were divided randomly into a medication therapy group (21 cases) which accepted medication plus swallowing training,a common therapy group (20 cases) accepting common support treatment plus swallowing training,a combined therapy group (20 cases) accepting common support treatment,medication,plus swallowing training as well,and a group of 21 cases accepting only routine rehabilitation therapy ( the routine rehabilitation group).The 21 cases without spasmodic torticollis served as a control group,and they were treated with routine rehabilitative treatment.The swallowing function of all patients was evaluated before and after therapy using videofluoroscopic swallowing study techniques.Results There was no significant difference with regard to the swallowing function among the groups before treatment except that the swallowing function of the control group (without torticollis) was significantly better than that of the other 4 groups.After treatment,swallowing function had improved significantly in all 5 groups.The average improvement in the routine rehabilitation group was,however,significantly less than in the others.After treatment there was no significant difference between the combined therapy group and the no torticollis control group with regard to swallowing function.Conclusions Spasmodic torticollis influences the recovery of swallowing function in dysphagic patients.Therapy for spasmodic torticollis can improve swallowing among dysphagic patients with spasmodic torticollis. Key words: Torticollis; Deglutition disorders; Evaluation