In order to investigate the value of CSF-
protein analyses in
spasmodic torticollis CSF from six patients with probable organic and two patients with probable
psychogenic torticollis was examined by isoelectric focusing and electrophoresis. In all the patients with organic
torticollis two pathological CSF-
protein fractions were found in the alkaline region on electrofocusing and in four cases aberrant fractions occurred also in the acidic pH range. An increasing number of abnormal fractions were noted during at least the first year after onset of symptoms.
Lithium treatment of three patients resulted in a striking decrease of
torticollis as well as of the number of abnormal CSF-
protein fractions. During placebo treatment of two cases,
torticollis and the pathological CSF-
proteins recurred. Some observations, including a few previous autopsy findings, might indicate that an encephalitogenic agent is involved in the pathogenesis of organic
torticollis. In the patients with
psychogenic torticollis the CSF-
protein pattern was normal. This investigation supports a recent suggestion that organic and
psychogenic torticollis might be distinguished by electrofocusing of the CSF-
protein.