Swallowing function in patients with spasmodic torticollis.

We examined the oropharyngeal swallowing ability of 43 patients with spasmodic torticollis using a videofluoroscopic procedure. Twenty-two (51.2%) demonstrated objective evidence of swallowing abnormalities; 15 (34.9%) had subjective complaints. Delayed swallowing reflex and vallecular residue were more frequent (p less than 0.0046) than any other abnormality. The constellations of abnormalities were consistent with neurogenic, postural, and mixed neurogenic-postural types of dysphagia.