An unusual cause of dysphagia

Abstract

We describe an 80 year old lady presenting with a six week history of neck pain, progressing to painless severe neck weakness and dysphagia. The absence of other positive symptoms, or tests, and an EMG consistent with a myopathic process, confirmed the diagnosis of dropped head syndrome secondary to an isolated neck extensor myopathy. A trial of steroids for one month was of subjective benefit only.