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Case Report

Sandifer Syndrome Case Report: An Unusual Presentation with Paroxysmal Torticollis

1
Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
2
Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Reports 2025, 8(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010029
Submission received: 2 February 2025 / Revised: 5 March 2025 / Accepted: 8 March 2025 / Published: 10 March 2025

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Sandifer syndrome is an uncommon manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by paroxysmal episodes of abnormal posturing, particularly involving the neck and upper body, often associated with underlying esophageal discomfort. Case Presentation: In this report, we present a 16-month-old infant who exhibited multiple daily paroxysmal episodes of atypical head posturing, primarily tilted to the right, each lasting less than 10 s, with spontaneous resolution. Notably, these episodes lacked other neurological or systemic symptoms, and the clinical presentation differed from classical descriptions of Sandifer syndrome, which often include more prolonged dystonic posturing or correlation with feeding. The diagnosis was supported by the resolution of symptoms following the administration of a proton pump inhibitor, highlighting the importance of recognizing this condition in infants with unexplained posturing behaviors. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the variability in clinical manifestations of Sandifer syndrome and underscores the need for a high index of suspicion, as timely management of gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to complete symptom resolution and prevent unnecessary neurological investigations.
Keywords: Sandifer syndrome; paroxysmal torticollis; abnormal head posture; gastroesophageal reflux disease; paroxysmal nonepileptic events Sandifer syndrome; paroxysmal torticollis; abnormal head posture; gastroesophageal reflux disease; paroxysmal nonepileptic events

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MDPI and ACS Style

Segre, G.; Penzo, M.; Zorzi, G.; Graziola, F. Sandifer Syndrome Case Report: An Unusual Presentation with Paroxysmal Torticollis. Reports 2025, 8, 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010029

AMA Style

Segre G, Penzo M, Zorzi G, Graziola F. Sandifer Syndrome Case Report: An Unusual Presentation with Paroxysmal Torticollis. Reports. 2025; 8(1):29. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010029

Chicago/Turabian Style

Segre, Giorgia, Martina Penzo, Giovanna Zorzi, and Federica Graziola. 2025. "Sandifer Syndrome Case Report: An Unusual Presentation with Paroxysmal Torticollis" Reports 8, no. 1: 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010029

APA Style

Segre, G., Penzo, M., Zorzi, G., & Graziola, F. (2025). Sandifer Syndrome Case Report: An Unusual Presentation with Paroxysmal Torticollis. Reports, 8(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010029

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