What is the most appropriate treatment for cervical dystonia?

Cervical dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck that can lead to abnormal postures and pain. The most effective and widely accepted treatment for cervical dystonia is the use of botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin works by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which helps to relax the overactive muscles involved in the condition. This treatment is typically administered through a series of injections into the affected muscles and has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, improve head posture, and enhance quality of life for patients.

Other treatments, such as oral medications or surgery, may be considered for some individuals, but they are generally not the first-line options for managing cervical dystonia. Medications like divalproex sodium and olanzapine may not be suitable because they are primarily indicated for other conditions, such as epilepsy and mood disorders, respectively, rather than dystonia. Levodopa/carbidopa is primarily used in Parkinson's disease and is not effective for treating cervical dystonia. Therefore, botulinum toxin remains the gold standard treatment to manage this specific movement disorder effectively.