Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The condition characterized by a spasm of the neck muscles, resulting in twisting of the head to one side, is known as torticollis. This condition can occur due to muscle contractions that lead to abnormal positioning of the neck and head, often causing significant discomfort and distress for the individual. Torticollis may be acute or chronic and can result from a variety of factors, including injury, neurological disorders, or muscle spasm.

In contrast, akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in constant motion, rather than specific muscle spasms or twisting. Serotonin syndrome involves a group of symptoms resulting from excessive serotonin levels, often related to medication, but does not specifically involve neck muscle spasms or abnormal posturing. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a severe reaction to antipsychotic medications, characterized by symptoms like muscle rigidity, fever, and autonomic instability, but it is not specifically associated with the twisting of the neck.

This understanding of torticollis helps differentiate it from other conditions with similar presentations but distinct underlying causes and manifestations.