How is Platybasia diagnosed?
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How is Platybasia diagnosed?
For the diagnosis and follow-up of Platybasia, the skull is examined with a computed tomography cranial-CT scan. Some diagnosis may also be made through a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance – brain or cranial MRI – but, once detected, for the optimal study of the malformation, the CT is indicated.
What is Platybasia?
Platybasia is an abnormality of the base of the skull, literally flattening of the skull base. It may be developmental in origin or due to softening of the skull base bone, allowing it to be pushed upward (see Basilar Invagination).
What is basal angle?
The flexion of the skull base (basal angle [BA]) is the inclination between the anterior fossae and the basilar ramp of the occipital and sphenoid bones. An increased BA, termed platybasia, is usually associated with basilar invagination.
What is basilar impression?
Basilar invagination (BI) is when the top of the spine pushes into the base of the skull. This causes pinching and pressing on the brain stem, the thick bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the spinal cord. Basilar invagination (BA-zih-ler in-vaj-ih-NAY-shin) that is mild is called basilar impression.
What does pressure on the brain stem feel like?
At the other extreme, basilar invagination that puts pressure on the lower brainstem can be fatal. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, trouble swallowing, weakness, numbness, and electric-like tingling when the neck is bent.
What is basilar kyphosis?
Craniometric studies revealed that in basilar invagination, different from normal subjects and CM, there is an decrement of Clivus canal angle, indicating craniocervical kyphosis and enlargement of cervical spine lordosis. There is an exaggerated angulation in kyphosis from the skull towards the spine.
What causes basilar impression?
Basilar impression is a mild form of basilar invagination. It occurs due to softening of the neck bones or flattening of the skull’s base. Chiari malformation is when the brain tissue enters the spine. It is similar to basilar invagination but is present at birth.
Is basilar invagination serious?
Basilar invagination is a rare but serious condition in which the second cervical vertebra migrates upward into the intracranial space, causing pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord and lower brainstem.
What does a Chiari headache feel like?
The most common symptom associated with a Chiari malformation is occipital headaches. These headaches are felt near the base of the skull and may radiate to cause pain in the neck and shoulders. They can be severe and may be described as sharp, brief, throbbing or pulsating.
Can a pinched nerve in the neck cause neurological problems?
Cervical radiculopathy (also known as “pinched nerve”) is a condition that results in neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of any of the nerve roots of your cervical spine (neck). Neurological dysfunction can include radiating pain, muscle weakness and/or numbness.
What symptoms would occur with pressure on the brain stem?
