What is a significant clinical sign of congenital torticollis in an infant?

In the context of congenital torticollis, a significant clinical sign is the head rotation towards one side. This condition, also known as "wry neck," typically arises due to tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side of the neck, which restricts movement and causes the infant's head to tilt and turn in a particular direction. Observing the infant's head consistently turned towards one side indicates muscular imbalance, and it is often accompanied by a limited range of motion when attempting to turn the head to the opposite side. Early recognition and intervention are crucial in managing this condition to prevent developmental delays and promote symmetrical neck function as the child grows.

Other options, while they might indicate other aspects of infant behavior or development, do not specifically relate to the characteristic presentation of congenital torticollis. The rooting reflex, for instance, is a natural response seen in infants when their cheek is stroked, which is unrelated to head position. Similarly, the persistence of the tonic neck reflex, although notable, does not specifically signify congenital torticollis, as this reflex generally fades by the time the infant is 6 months old. Lastly, a frequent gag reflex is not pertinent to torticollis and instead relates to