Screening of Clinical Data of Patients with Abnormal Head Posture and Investigation of Abnormal Head Posture Change After Treatment.

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with abnormal head posture (AHP) due to ocular causes and investigate the effect of treatment on the change in AHP.

Materials and methods: Patients with AHP admitted to the strabismus unit of our clinic between 2011 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' clinical and demographic data and change in AHP after treatment were recorded.

Results: A total of 172 patients, 86 females (50%) and 86 males (50%), with a mean age of 14.1±13.9 years were included in the study. The most common ocular causes of AHP were fourth cranial nerve palsy (50%), Duane retraction syndrome (16.9%), and A-V pattern strabismus (15.1%). Sixth cranial nerve palsy, third cranial nerve palsy, nystagmus blockade syndrome, extraocular muscle fibrosis, Brown syndrome, oculocutaneous albinism, and heavy eye syndrome were diagnosed less frequently. The most common AHP type was head tilted position (52.3%), followed by head turned (40.1%), chin down/up (3.5%), and combined form (4.1%). There was a significant relationship between AHP type and diagnosis (p<0.001). Amblyopia was present in 55 (35.7%) and absent in 99 (64.3%) patients. There was a significant relationship between amblyopia and both diagnosis (p<0.001) and AHP type (p=0.003). Of 172 patients, 100 (58.1%) underwent strabismus surgery, 10 (5.8%) had botulinum toxin injection, and 2 (1.2%) were prescribed prism glasses. Sixty patients (34.9%) were only followed up. Among 94 patients who continued follow-up, AHP was reduced in 77.3% and completely resolved in 16.7% of patients treated surgically, and was reduced in 50% and completely resolved in 25% of those treated with botulinum toxin.

Conclusion: The causes of AHP are varied. Ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations should be performed in patients presenting with AHP, and strabismus surgery or botulinum toxin administration may reduce or completely correct AHP in eligible patients.