Swallowing,speech, and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in spasmodic torticollis

To explore the controversial brainstem theory of spasmodic torticollis, eight consecutively referred patients were examined. Three independent examinations were conducted on the same day: a videofluoroscopic barium swallowing examination, an instrumental speech examination, and a brainstem auditory-evoked potential (BAEP) analysis. Swallowing was normal in two patients; speech physiology, in five; and BAEPs, in all. Normal BAEPs refute the brainstem theory, while abnormalities of speech and swallowing temper this conclusion. Several alternative explanations are proposed.The authors have no commercial or proprietary interest in any product mentioned in this article.