Torticollis in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome

Objective To report the incidence of torticollis diagnosed in infants treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and compare neonates with and without torticollis. Study design This prospective cohort study reports on infants examined at 1–4 months of age. Numerous obstetrical/newborn factors and other drugs used during gestation were compared. Results Of 501 neonates treated for NAS, 421 (84%) were seen for follow-up. Of these, 105 (24.9%) were diagnosed with torticollis. The only significant obstetrical/newborn factor identified was a lower rate if the parents were the primary caregiver after hospital discharge. Of the 105 cases, 88 (84%) were right-sided and 17 (16%) were left-sided. Conclusions These data demonstrate that torticollis is a common diagnosis in infants examined at 1–4 months of age after being treated for NAS with a predilection for this to be right-sided. The etiology for this is uncertain, but newborns treated for NAS need close follow-up post discharge.