Rare Case of “Dropped Head Syndrome”… History of Heroin and Drug Use
A case of a 20-something Iranian man suffering from “Dropped Head Syndrome,” where the neck bends severely at 90 degrees due to drug addiction, has been revealed, causing shock. Medical professionals explained that prolonged drug use in the same position led to weakened neck muscles, rendering him unable to support his head.
On the 14th (local time), the medical team at Al-Zahra University Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, released photos of a 23-year-old man whose neck bent severely as a result of years of excessive drug use.
According to the Daily Mail, the man developed spinal curvature due to drug side effects, ultimately leading to a condition known as “Dropped Head Syndrome,” which left his neck unable to support his head.
Before his neck bent, the patient reportedly experienced symptoms where his chin would sag onto his chest for extended periods, along with chronic neck pain, arm numbness, paralysis, and tingling sensations. The man suffered from these symptoms for over 15 months.
The patient had no prior history of neck injury. However, he had a history of using amphetamines and antidepressants, which stimulate the central nervous system, and his heroin use history was confirmed. Medical professionals mentioned that the patient had no neck deformities prior to his drug addiction.
Dr. Majid Rezvani, who co-researched this case, stated, “Drugs do not directly impact the musculoskeletal system,” but “maintaining a certain posture for long periods while using drugs can lead to musculoskeletal changes over several months.”
Determining they could not correct the patient’s neck conservatively, the medical team proceeded with surgery. To return the neck to its normal position, they removed the deformed bone and fixed a brace to the spine.
Fortunately, the surgery was successful. No neurological symptoms were observed, and the patient regained full strength in his limbs. The day after surgery, the patient was able to walk with cervical brace support, which he wore for three months.
The media reported, “Following surgery, the patient participated in therapy and rehabilitation, overcoming his drug addiction,” and “Doctors assessed the spinal correction as effective.”