Grisel’s Syndrome (Acute Torticollis): A Rare Case Report Following Head and Neck Infection

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Grisel’s syndrome is a rare, non-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation that follows inflammation or infection of the head and neck region. Case Summary: This paper describes a rare presentation of Grisel’s syndrome in an 8-year-old girl who developed painful torticollis after an upper respiratory tract infection. CT and MRI played key roles in diagnosis, demonstrating C1–C2 rotatory subluxation (Fielding Type I) with associated soft-tissue inflammation. Conclusion: Radiological imaging, particularly CT with multiplanar reconstruction and MRI, is essential for diagnosis, classification, and assessment of soft-tissue involvement in Grisel’s syndrome, enabling early and appropriate management. Keywords: Grisel’s syndrome, Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, CT scan, MRI, Torticollis, Cervical spine imaging