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US - UK Entertainment 19/05/2025 16:16

23-Year-Old Man Develops Rare ‘Dropped Head Syndrome’ Following Years of Dru9 Abu$e

23-Year-Old Man Develops Rare ‘Dropped Head Syndrome’ Following Years of Drug Abuse
Man, 23, develops rare condition called 'dropped head syndrome' after battling addiction for years
A 23-year-old man from Iran developed an extremely rare and debilitating condition called ‘dropped head syndrome’ after years of abusing substances such as heroin, opium, and amphetamines. This case highlights the severe physical toll prolonged drug addiction can take on the body beyond the commonly known neurological and psychological effects.

‘Dropped head syndrome,’ also known as ‘floppy head syndrome,’ is characterized by profound weakness of the neck muscles. This weakness causes the head to fall forward uncontrollably, making it difficult or impossible for the affected individual to raise their chin or hold their head upright. While this syndrome is often associated with neuromuscular disorders, in this unusual case, it developed as a consequence of extended drug misuse.

The patient experienced persistent neck pain, along with tingling and numbness radiating into his arms for about 15 months before seeking medical help. Diagnostic imaging, including a CT scan, revealed severe deformity of his cervical spine. His neck was fixed in a kyphotic position, meaning it was excessively curved forward, with his chin resting close to his chest for prolonged periods.

Medical experts explained that while the drugs did not directly affect the musculoskeletal system, the patient’s chronic substance abuse led to him maintaining certain postures for extended durations. This prolonged positioning ultimately caused significant changes in the musculoskeletal structures of his neck.

To address the condition, surgeons performed an operation to remove the deformed bone from his cervical spine. Remarkably, the man was able to walk with assistance from a hard cervical collar the day after surgery, marking a significant improvement in his mobility and quality of life.

Following the surgical intervention, the patient entered a rehabilitation program aimed at overcoming his drug addiction. Doctors reported substantial progress in his recovery both physically and mentally, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the medical and addiction components of such complex cases.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the overlooked and severe physical consequences that prolonged drug abuse can have, extending beyond neurological damage to affect musculoskeletal health in devastating ways.

Character Biographies and Context:
  • The 23-Year-Old Man: A young individual from Iran who developed ‘dropped head syndrome’ after years of drug abuse. His identity has been withheld for privacy reasons.

  • Dropped Head Syndrome: A rare neurological and musculoskeletal disorder characterized by severe neck muscle weakness, resulting in an inability to maintain the head in an upright position. Commonly linked to neuromuscular diseases, but can also result from other causes including trauma or prolonged improper posture.

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