“Dropped head syndrome” in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction:The dropped head syndrome (DHS), also called slack head syndrome, was first detailed in 1986. This condition was recognized in 12 patients with various neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is characterized by asthenia of the extensor musculature of the neck, with or without asthenia of the flexor musculature of the neck, causing an inability to condition the head support and leading patients to the typical aspect of the flexed head with the chin in contact with the thoracic region.Case Report: We report the case of a 68-year-old female who diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) about two years ago and reported limitations in her daily activities as the disease progressed. In her last visit, dated 03/30/2021, she presented great difficulty in sustaining her head in an anti-gravity position and, when asked to "bend" this region, she was unsuccessful in reerecting it. Need of concentration to maintain the cervical in neutral position and, after minutes, presented extreme fatigue with melting.