Clinical Manifestations of Late-onset Dropped Head Syndrome Secondary to Mantle Field Radiotherapy for Hodgkins Disease

Abstract

Adam OBrien MS and Terence Gray DO

It has been previously described in the literature that dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) is a condition causing significant weakness and instability in the extensor musculature of the cervical spine. This condition often manifests as neck pain associated with a loss in the ability to maintain sufficient paraspinal muscle tone in the neck. This course eventually leaves the patient with a flexed head, and an inability to raise the chin from the neck in the Sagittarius plane. Our patient’s condition is likely secondary to mantle field radiotherapy performed 37 years prior using the prevailing treatment protocol for Hodgkin’s disease (HD).

PDF