Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services after a significant head or neck injury if the neck is twisted, there is severe pain, or the person has weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Keep the neck as still as reasonably possible while waiting for help.
Emergency care is also needed for:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the tongue or throat
A sudden abnormal neck or jaw spasm after taking medicine
Neck stiffness with severe headache, confusion, marked drowsiness, or a new rash
Sudden facial drooping, limb weakness, speech trouble, or loss of coordination
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day medical advice for torticollis with fever, drooling, worsening throat pain, repeated vomiting, severe or rapidly increasing pain, or a recent infection.
A child who appears very unwell or refuses to move the neck also needs prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical follow-up if symptoms do not begin to settle, keep returning, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or include repeated involuntary movements.
A baby who consistently holds the head to one side or develops a flat area on the skull should be assessed early, even if the baby does not seem uncomfortable.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Torticollis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.