Torticollis Definition

Torticollis (Wryneck)

Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.

What is Torticollis?

•  Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT): The most common type present at birth. It's caused by a shortened or overly tight sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck. 

Acquired Torticollis: This form develops after birth, often due to injury, illness, or unknown causes.

Causes

Here's a breakdown of some injury, illness, and unknown causes of acquired torticollis: 

Injury

• Birth trauma: During difficult deliveries, injury can occur to the neck muscles, leading to torticollis. 
• Minor neck trauma: Injuries sustained in sports, minor accidents, or even awkward sleeping positions can cause muscle strain or inflammation, leading to torticollis.

Illness

• Upper respiratory infections: Viral or bacterial infections of the throat, lymph nodes, or ears can cause...

As parents, we celebrate every milestone our babies reach. 

However, it should be worrisome when your baby seems to lose skills or experience unexpected delays in their development.

Is My Baby Regressing?

The Baby Development and Movement Expert Michelle Turner wants you to immediately contact your pediatrician and request appointments with a neurologist and genetics specialist if one or both of these things are happening to your 4-month-old baby.

• Loss of previously acquired skills: If your baby could roll over, sit independently, vocalize, and then lose these abilities. 

Many genetic conditions can have regressive features.

• Marked changes in behavior or responsiveness: Unusual fussiness like high-pitched screaming for hours, lethargy, or sudden poor eye contact. 

 Neurological issues can range from facial nerve inflammation to sub-clinical seizures and beyond.

When to Work With Other Types of...

If you suspect your baby might have delayed milestones, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference:

1. Consult a Pediatrician: Schedule regular well-baby check-ups and express your concerns to your pediatrician.
2. Early Intervention Services: These services provide specialized support to address developmental delays.
3. Occupational and Physical Therapy: These therapies can aid in motor skill development.
4. Speech-Language Therapy: Vital for addressing communication delays and disorders.
5. Create a Stimulating Environment: Offer age-appropriate toys, games, and activities to encourage exploration and learning.
6. Read and Communicate: Engage in reading and talking to stimulate language development.
7. Play and Interaction: Encourage playtime with you and other children to foster social skills.
8. Nutrition and Health: Ensure a balanced diet and address any underlying health concerns.
9. Start giving your child lessons in movement: You are your child's...

Here are potential red flags or signs that might indicate the presence of rare genetic conditions.

Keep in mind that we are not medical professionals, but we can provide you with some general information. If you suspect that you or someone you know might have a rare genetic condition, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or a genetic counselor for proper evaluation and guidance.

To learn more about other potential warning signs your child might have for developmental delays, get our FREE "IN-TIME Baby Development Resource Toolbox" CLICK HERE.

Here are 21 potential red flags:

1. Unexplained Chronic Illness: Frequent or persistent unexplained health issues.
2. Delayed Milestones: Significant delays in developmental milestones (e.g., walking, talking) compared to peers.
3. Intellectual Disability: Noticeable cognitive impairments or learning difficulties.
4. Physical Growth Issues: Unusual growth patterns (e.g., very short stature) or failure to thrive.
5. Facial...

Is your baby refusing solids and it doesn't matter what you present to them?

Your baby won't take a well either and you are concerned about weight and lack of nutrients?

Here are 7 things you can do

First, are you watching the weight with your pediatrician?

Second, your pediatrician can’t do much if they don’t have data. For my special needs kids, I, Erin Fulks, weigh them daily and keep it in a log. That way, I can keep track of any trends.

Third, if your doctor isn’t doing anything now, ask them at what point they will be concerned about your child’s weight and then keep the data so you can let them know that the point of their concern has been reached.

Forth, you can ask for a consult for a g-tube. That can be a scary option for some parents. Some kids can eventually graduate off a G-tube but some not. G-tube can be a daunting option for parents, and they put it off. But it’s a huge stress relief to be able to give a child some calories and nutrients...

Making time for learning is essential for personal growth and development. Here are three ways to prioritize and create time for learning:

1. Set specific goals and prioritize: Define your learning goals and identify the areas of knowledge or skills you want to develop. Once you have clarity on what you want to learn, prioritize those goals and make them a part of your schedule. Assess your daily or weekly commitments and identify time slots that can be dedicated to learning. It could be early mornings, evenings, weekends, or even small pockets of time during the day. By consciously prioritizing learning, you are more likely to carve out dedicated time for it.

2. Create a learning routine: Establish a consistent learning routine to help integrate learning into your daily life. Designate specific times for learning activities, whether it's reading a book, taking an online course, watching educational videos, or practicing a new skill. By creating a routine, you create a habit that...

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their development.

AGAIN, Every Child Deserves to Experience Development

However, seeing our babies struggling with reaching their milestones can be a source of worry and anxiety. The good news is that every child deserves to experience development in their own unique way. In this blog post, we will address parents' concerns about their baby's milestones and offer insights on how to support their optimal development journey.

• Understanding Developmental Challenges: Developmental challenges can manifest in different ways, such as hypertonia or hypotonia. These symptoms may indicate a larger issue at play, even if it is not yet fully understood. It's crucial for parents to recognize that these challenges do not define their child's potential or future. By acknowledging and seeking support, parents can take proactive steps towards unlocking their child's true capabilities.

When you have developmental concerns about your child, it's important to communicate effectively with your doctor to address the situation.

Here are 11 effective ways for worried parents like yourself to talk to their doctor about developmental concerns:

1. Prepare in advance: Before the appointment, write down your concerns, observations, and questions. This will help you stay focused during the discussion with the doctor.

2. Choose the right time: Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss your concerns with the doctor, ensuring that there is enough time for a thorough conversation without feeling rushed.

3. Be specific: Clearly describe your concerns, providing specific examples of behaviors or developmental milestones that you find worrisome. This will help the doctor better understand the situation.

4. Video examples: Visual examples are so much better than word of mouth. Help clarify your concerns with...