Doctors Document Rare Case of Dropped Head Syndrome Caused by Drug Use

A 23-year-old man’s head tilted to a 90-degree angle due to weakened neck muscles in a recent case documented by doctors at Isfahan University of Medicine in Iran. The unusual condition, called Cervical Kyphospholiosis (CKS) or “Dropped Head Syndrome,” is typically linked to neuromuscular disorders, but this case was attributed to years of substance abuse, including heroin, opium, and amphetamines. The patient underwent a successful three-stage surgical procedure to correct the severe neck deformity and was able to walk with assistance the day after the operation. Doctors noted a positive outcome following the surgery, with the patient showing improvement in spine alignment and giving up drug use during a year-long follow-up. The unique connection between substance abuse and CKS has been labeled as “intoxicated syndrome” by the medical team.