Torticollis

So as many know Myah was diagnosed with Torticollis when she was around 15 months old. Torticollis is the shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, often causing limited range of motion in both rotation and lateral bending. The head is typically tilted in lateral bending toward the affected muscle and rotated toward the opposite side. The reported incidence of congenital torticollis is 0.3-2.0 %. Basically Myah’s head is tilted to the left side.

When Myah was around 6 months old our Pediatrician noticed that her head was flat on one side, which is fairly common in infants. However, she noticed that one of Myah’s eyes appeared to be smaller than the other. Her face was not completely symmetrical. So we went to see an Ophthalmologist to have her vision checked. Her vision was fine. We went back to the pediatrician for another wellness check and it appeared that Myah’s head was starting to round out. The flatness of her head was improving, most likely due to her becoming more mobile. So, we assumed that everything was well.

When Myah started walking we noticed that her head would tilt slightly to the left. We also noticed it in some of her pictures, but we thought it was a cutesy thing. Our Pediatrician noticed it as well and thought it warranted a visit to an Orthopedic Specialist. We went to OU Children’s Hospital where she was examined and X-Rays were taken. The Specialist advised that Myah’s bone structure looked normal, however, he determined that she has a muscular issue which is diagnosed as Torticollis.

He ordered 2-3 months of Physical Therapy, at home therapy, and a return visit in 6 months. We started PT immediately. Myah completely and totally hates it. She pretty much screams and cries the entire 30-45 minute session. It is so hard to sit with your child and listen to them scream for 45 minutes straight knowing there is nothing that you can do. I take comfort in knowing that we are doing the therapy to help her, but some days even knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. I just want to scoop her up, give her hugs and kisses, run out of that place, and comfort her. God Bless our Physical Therapist, she is amazing.

We have been doing the therapy for 2 months now. Next week, Myah will start wearing a collar that has a stint on one side. Hopefully this will help her posture by keeping her from leaning to one side. We are also going to have a consult with a Specialist about Botox treatments in the next few weeks. Apparently Botox injections into the muscle can help tremendously. It is the next treatment option before surgery is recommended. First, the specialist will have to determine if Myah is a good candidate for the procedure. If she is, we will have to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure before deciding how to proceed. Physical therapy would be continued after the Botox treatment for another 3-4 months. If the Botox procedure doesn’t help or isn’t an option I believe that surgery will be recommended.

We will do whatever we can to help our little sweetheart. Please keep Myah in your prayers. Momma and Daddy need prayers as well. I will keep everyone updated.