Idiopathic dropped head syndrome

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Idiopathic dropped head syndrome

ORPHA:447881Clinical syndrome

Also called Isolated neck extensor myopathy

What it is

A rare acquired skeletal muscle disease characterized by severe weakness of the neck extensor muscles causing progressive reducible kyphosis of the cervical spine and the inability to hold the head up, in the absence of a known cause. Histological studies reveal a non-inflammatory myopathic picture. The clinical course is relatively benign, although cervical myelopathy may develop.

Key facts

Age of onset
All ages
Inheritance
Not applicable
Classified as
Clinical syndrome

ICD-10 codes

G72.8filed under a broader ICD-10 category — shared with 4 other rare diseases

ICD-10 has no distinct code for most rare diseases, so many are filed under the nearest available one. A shared code identifies the group, not this disease — the ORPHAcode above is what identifies it.

Benefit programs to look at

Programs whose eligibility touches the same ICD-10 categories. Eligibility is decided by the administering agency, never by this page.

Cross-references

MONDO 0018654UMLS C3266164

Orphadata Science: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Data version 2026-06-23. Available under CC BY 4.0. This is a reference, not medical advice.

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