A practical approach to the patient presenting with dropped head

Abstract

Head drop, or having a dropped head, is an uncommon condition in which patients present with a disabling inability to lift their head. It may arise in many neurological conditions that can be divided into those with neuromuscular weakness of neck extensors and those with increased tone of neck flexors. The most common neuromuscular causes include myasthenia gravis, motor neurone disease and myositis, while neck dystonia secondary to movement disorders can cause an increased tone. Investigations should include blood tests, imaging, muscle biopsy and neurophysiological studies. Here, we present a man with dropped head and discuss the investigation and management of this condition.