CCI (Craniocervical Instability)
Craniocervical instability (CCI) is a pathological condition of increased mobility at the craniocervical junction, the area where the skull meets the spine.
In CCI the ligamentous connections of the craniocervical junction can be stretched, weakened or ruptured. This can lead to stretching and/or compression of the brainstem, upper spinal cord, or cerebellum and result in myelopathy, neck pain and a range of other symptoms including a risk of death if left untreated.
Symptoms
-
Headaches
-
Neck pain
-
Neurological abnormalities (Numbness, Motor Weekness, Dizziness)
-
Bobblehead Syndrome
-
Muscle Weakness
-
Paralysis
-
Paresthesias
-
Vertigo
-
Difficulty Swallowing
-
Tinnitus
-
Cognitive Impairment
-
Memory Loss
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of CCI is based on symptom presentation, a supportive history, demonstrable neurological findings and abnormal imaging.
​
CCI is typically diagnosed via a cervical MRI. Most neurosurgeons prefer upright MRI with flexion and extension.
AAI (Atlantoaxial Instability)
Atlantoaxial Instability is a condition that affects the bones in the upper spine and neck under the base of the skull. The joint between the upper spine and base of the skull is called the atlantoaxial joint.
​
Getting AAI as a result of neck trauma usually results from a disruption of the transverse, alar or apical ligaments. Fractures of C1 or C2 are also traumatic cases of AAI.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
-
Neck pain
-
Chronic Fatigue
-
Gastrointestinal Problems
-
Jugular Vein Compression
-
Rapid Heart Rate
-
Pain At The Base Of Neck & Skull
Both CCI & AAI are often diagnosed via the patient's symptoms and either a hands on manual test by a doctor or therapist or diagnostic imaging, however for many patients getting the right testing to get a diagnosis can be difficult.
​
The different types of imaging that can be preformed to help get a diagnosis are.
- Digital Motion Xray (DMX)
- CT Scan With Motion
- Static Upper Neck MRI
- Dinamic MRI