Jeannie
Hi Jeannie, I just read your message about your son. I was diagnosied with cervical dystonia 10 years ago at 37 years old. My first symptoms were stiff necks, than my head started to tilt to the right side and my neck felt cramped and tight. When I tried to hold it straight it pulled so much I couldn't. As it progressed within a few years I suffered chronic pain and hated the way I looked. Several dr's said, I held my head that way. Can you believe that? When I was fianally diagnosed my doctor started me on a med called Artane. I started with very small doses at a time and the pulling of my head lessened and I felt better. I also went to a chriopracter. But I wanted better results so I found a dr. who speailized in movement disorders. He put me on Klonopin at night to relax the sustained neck spasm along with the Artane. I also did many things to change my life due to my condition. Then 3 years later I spoke with people (I ran a support group) who got good results with Botox injections. So I tried it. To make a long story short, 10 years later I'm feeling great. I've weaned down to minor doses of Artane, a small dose of klonopin at night and Botox every 4 months. I go to a chiropractor and get massages every two weeks, and do streching neck excersizes. Once I thought my life was changed forever and it was, but for the better, it took time, patience and understanding to get where I am today. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dianne