title: Grisel Syndrome: An Unusual and Often Unrecognized Cause of Torticollis.
abstract: Torticollis can be due to many different etiologies. Torticollis is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of many conditions. We present a case of persistent torticollis in a child that was misdiagnosed during multiple visits to the pediatrician, otolaryngologist, and 3 different emergency departments. Grisel syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient with torticollis after a head and neck infection, upper respiratory infection, or postoperative from head and neck surgery. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate management and can prevent significant morbidity.
authors.affiliation: From the Emergency Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston-Medical School, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Eric F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Reichman
authors.forename: Jaimin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014103:Torticollis / Q000209:etiology*