Protein pattern or cerebrospinal fluid in spasmodic torticollis.

The protein patterns found on isoelectric focusing and quantitative paper electrophoresis of cerebrospinal fluid were studied in three patients with spasmodic torticollis. Very alkaline end fractions were found on isoelectric focusing in the CSF-gammaglobulin region in each case. Alkaline end fractions in the CSF-gammaglobulin region with similar or same isoelectric points have also been observed in other extrapyramidal disorders, particularly Huntington's chorea, and in other neurological diseases, especially in multiple sclerosis. It has to be shown if these alkalline end fractions consist of the same or different compounds, conceivable constituents being mentioned. Examination of the CSF-protein pattern might help to distinguish organic from hysterical torticollis.