The craniocervical junction comprises of bone in the head and the initial bones in the neck, the axis and atlas. Some disorders affect the large gap beneath the occipital bone known as the foramen magnum. Cranio-functional disorders put pressure on the lower regions of the brain, the upper part of the spinal cord and nerves.
Craniocervical instability symptoms
Craniocervical instability refers to craniocervical junction instability. Craniocervical junction instability causes cerebellum, spinal cord, and brain stem deformation. A throbbing headache is a prevalent sign of craniocervical instability.
Other signs of the condition include:
- Pressure and heavy headaches
- A dysfunctional nervous system (Dysautonomia)
- Neck pain
- Facial pain
- Dysphagia
- Balance issues and muscle weakness
- Vertigo
- Vision trouble
- Memory issues
- Numb limbs
- Paralysis
Diagnosis
An upright MRI assesses the craniocervical junction. Your surgeon also tests neck rotation, flexion, and extension, using the information from the MRI to measure the distance between bones in the craniocervical junction.
Treatment
Occipital-cervical fusion preserves blood supply, mobilises and stabilises the area between both segments. Through the use of implants and screws, the spine is realigned. Bone grafts take three months to fuse completely and gain strength over the next two years. Until then, the patient's neck muscles secure the graft in place until it fuses adequately. Fusion aims to restore neural function and mobility.
Patients who suffer from craniocervical instability undergo occipital-cervical fusion via the Locksley intersegmental tie bar technique, which allows an immediate stabilisation of the craniocervical junction. This specialised technique is reserved for patients whose bone and ligamentous structures are already weak due to an illness or traumatic injury.
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CHRISTOPHER REEVE