Table 3

The main group of muscles involved in dystonic posture

ActionMuscles groups
TorticollisContralateral sternocleidomastoid
Contralateral trapezius
Ipsilateral splenius capitis
Ipsilateral levator scapulae
LaterocollisIpsilateral sternocleidomastoid
Ipsilateral splenius capitis
Ipsilateral levator scapulae
Ipsilateral trapezius
RetrocollisBilateral splenius
Bilateral semispinalis
AntecollisBilateral sternocleidomastoid
Bilateral longus colli
Bilateral scalenus

  • This table guides the clinical examination to certain muscles.