The drugs caused significant rounding of the spine until the neck could no longer support the head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dropped head syndrome – also know as floppy head syndrome – is characterised by severe weakness of the neck muscles, and is most commonly associated with neuromuscular disorders such as motor neurone disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But doctors say the syndrome could be caused by substance abuse.<\/p>\n
The medics reported that use of amphetamine (also known as speed) triggered what they called a fixed kyphotic neck position, where his chin fell to his chest for long periods.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He also experienced chronic neck pain and paresthesia – the feeling of tingling, numbness, or pins and needles – in his arms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While the patient had no history of severe neck trauma that could explain his symptoms, he had a history of depression and use of amphetamines, opium and heroin.<\/p>\n
![\"Dropped](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/98328003-14703851-Dropped_head_syndrome_is_a_rare_medical_disorder_where_the_neck_-a-81_174715213308.jpeg\")
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Dropped head syndrome is a rare medical disorder, where the neck muscles become so weak they can no longer support the head<\/p>\n
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The doctors noted that prior to this history of addiction, there was no malalignment in his neck.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr Majid Rezvani, co-author of the case study, said: ‘We discovered that drug abuse contributed to the uncommon development of severe complicated cervical kyphosis [excessive rounding of the upper back].’\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘The drug does not have a direct effect on musculoskeletal changes,’ he explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘Instead there is an indirect effect: when the patient uses the drug, they remain in a certain position for a long time, and over months this results in musculoskeletal changes that led to kyphoscoliosis.’\u00a0<\/p>\n
The man suffered with symptoms for over 15 months, which he attempted to treat using herbal remedies before seeking professional help, according to the report.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite this, cranial nerve tests, muscle strength tests and tests of his autonomic nervous system all came back clear.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A CT scan revealed he had a severely deformed spine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The patient was initially placed under general anaesthesia, and doctors noted that this appeared to be enough to reduce his neck deformity.<\/p>\n
But they were unable to correct the patient’s neck, so surgery followed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
To re-adjust the neck, doctors decided to remove the deformed bone and used a locking cage for support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/98327285-14703851-image-a-21_1747134419063.jpg\")
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The patient reportedly used heroin, opium and amphetamines\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Post-operative](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/98328007-14703851-Post_operative_CT_scan_showing_screws_used_to_stabilise_the_neck-a-82_174715213308.jpeg\")
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Post-operative CT scan showing screws used to stabilise the neck<\/p>\n
The surgery was successful and no neurological symptoms were observed. His limb strength was also 100 per cent.<\/p>\n
The day after surgery, the patient was able to walk with the support of a hard collar – which he wore for three months.<\/p>\n
He attended therapy and rehab after his surgery, which enabled him to overcome his drug addiction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Doctors are satisfied that the correction of the spine was effective.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They have now proposed the term ‘intoxicated syndrome’ for patients showing these symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n