Shocking images have revealed a little-known, devastating effect of heavy drug use – a condition known as dropped head syndrome. 

The pictures – published by doctors at the Al-Zahra University Hospital in Isfahan, Iran – show a 23-year-old man with an extreme bend in his neck, which developed after years of substance abuse.

The drugs caused significant rounding of the spine until the neck could no longer support the head.

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.

But doctors say the syndrome could be caused by substance abuse.

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.

He also experienced chronic neck pain and paresthesia – the feeling of tingling, numbness, or pins and needles – in his arms.

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.

Dropped head syndrome is a rare medical disorder, where the neck muscles become so weak they can no longer support the head

The doctors noted that prior to this history of addiction, there was no malalignment in his neck.

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].’

‘The drug does not have a direct effect on musculoskeletal changes,’ he explained.

‘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.’

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.

Despite this, cranial nerve tests, muscle strength tests and tests of his autonomic nervous system all came back clear.

A CT scan revealed he had a severely deformed spine.

The patient was initially placed under general anaesthesia, and doctors noted that this appeared to be enough to reduce his neck deformity.

But they were unable to correct the patient’s neck, so surgery followed.

To re-adjust the neck, doctors decided to remove the deformed bone and used a locking cage for support.

The patient reportedly used heroin, opium and amphetamines

Post-operative CT scan showing screws used to stabilise the neck

The surgery was successful and no neurological symptoms were observed. His limb strength was also 100 per cent.

The day after surgery, the patient was able to walk with the support of a hard collar – which he wore for three months.

He attended therapy and rehab after his surgery, which enabled him to overcome his drug addiction.

Doctors are satisfied that the correction of the spine was effective.

They have now proposed the term ‘intoxicated syndrome’ for patients showing these symptoms.

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