6. Difficulties in Swallowing – A Troublesome Roadblock
Difficulty in swallowing, or dysphagia, is another symptom that individuals with spasmodic torticollis might encounter. This symptom is particularly distressing as it interferes with one of the most basic human functions – eating. This can further affect an individual’s nutritional status and overall health, making it a vital symptom to recognize and address.
The abnormal contractions and movements of the neck muscles may impact the mechanics of swallowing. The act of swallowing involves a complex orchestration of several muscles, and even a minor disruption can lead to significant difficulties. This results in discomfort during meals, with the individual feeling as though food is stuck in their throat.
The unpredictable nature of these swallowing difficulties adds to the discomfort. Some might experience these problems only when consuming certain types of food, while others might face issues irrespective of what they consume. Some people might even encounter difficulties when trying to swallow saliva, further escalating the problem. (6)
