Prevalence of cervical dystonia and spasmodic torticollis in the United States general population

PurposeTo examine the prevalence of cervical dystonia (CD) in the US population.MethodA survey consisting of relevant demographic and CD-related questions was e-mailed to 2 million people selected from the Shopper's Voice™ database.ResultsAcross a census-weighted sample, 0.280% of 60,062 respondents (79% female, 92% Caucasian) reported a diagnosis of CD and 0.170% reported a diagnosis of ST, indicating possible prevalence of 0.390% of either/both diagnoses. Less than half (42.7%) of those who reported either diagnosis were receiving treatment.ConclusionsCD is potentially under-diagnosed and under-treated; approaches to increase awareness of CD and its treatments are needed.