What is the craniocervical?

What is the craniocervical?

The craniocervical (craniovertebral) junction represents the complex transitional zone between the cranium and the spine and comprises a complex balance of different elements: it should be considered anatomically and radiologically a distinct entity from both the cranium and, in particular, the cervical spine.

Where is the craniocervical region?

The craniocervical junction is the anatomic region located at the transition from the skull to the cervical spine that houses the medulla, cervical spinal cord, multiple cranial nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics.

How do you test for Craniocervical instability?

Diagnosis. Craniocervical instability is usually diagnosed through neuro-anatomical measurement using radiography. Upright magnetic resonance imaging is considered the most accurate method, and supine magnetic resonance imaging, CT scan or digital motion X-ray, or Digital X-ray are also used.

What is the craniocervical flexion test?

Background: The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) is a clinical test of the anatomical action of the deep cervical flexor muscles, the longus capitis, and colli.

What does Craniocervical instability feel like?

Symptoms of craniocervical instability include occipital headache, neck pain and neurological abnormalities such as numbness, motor weakness, dizziness, and gait instability. Patients sometimes describe the feeling that their head is too heavy for their neck to support (“bobble-head”).

How do you check cervical muscle strength?

The strength of the cervical muscles may be measured using either isometric or dynamic techniques. The isometric method is, by far, the most commonly used and includes manual assessment, handheld dynamometry (HHD), fixed frame dynamometry (FFD) and isokinetic dynamometry applied in either the static mode.

Can you fix CCI?

CCI can have a significant impact on our nervous system, causing balance problems and movement disorders. Many of us with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome will be diagnosed with craniocervical instability as well. While there unfortunately is not a cure for CCI, symptoms can be managed!

How are syrinxes typically treated?

Surgical removal of obstructions such as scar tissue, bone from the spinal canal, or tumors can help restore the normal flow of CSF. If a tumor is causing syringomyelia, Removing a tumor that is causing syringomyelia almost always eliminates the syrinx. Occasionally, radiation also may be used to shrink the tumor.

What causes weak deep neck flexors?

Research has shown that people experiencing chronic neck pain, such as a whiplash injury, have a decrease in strength and endurance in the deep neck flexor muscles. Improper posture also contributes to muscle weakness. A forward head posture causes these muscles to become lengthened, and therefore weakened over time.

Can craniocervical instability heal on its own?

Cervical instability is a medical condition in which loose ligaments in your upper cervical spine may lead to neuronal damage and a large list of adverse symptoms. If you have cervical instability, you may be experiencing migraines, vertigo, or nausea. Fortunately, this condition is treatable, though not curable.