Table of Contents
Can CCI be cured?
While there unfortunately is not a cure for CCI, symptoms can be managed! The crucial first step, however, is getting a diagnosis. Craniocervical instability is best diagnosed with an upright MRI that shows flexion and extension. CCI is typically diagnosed via a cervical MRI, whether supine or upright. If supine, a 3 Tesla MRI is preferred over a 1.5 Tesla. Most neurosurgeons prefer upright MRI with flexion and extension. CCI refers to instability in any part of the craniocervical junction while AAI refers to instability at C1-C2. The only reason to differentiate them is usually that atlantoaxial instability patients can be treated with a less invasive C1-C2 screw fixation while CCI patients may need more extensive surgery. Treating Cervical Instability If you’re having any of the above symptoms and suspect they’re connected to cervical instability, seeing a trained spine doctor becomes one of the most important things you can do.
How is CCI diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose CCI is imaging. But a standard, static x-rays or scans won’t show neck instability. CCI diagnosis requires more sophisticated and specialised imaging, such as movement-based x-ray (DMX) and upright dynamic MRI. The interpretation of the imaging requires skills and experience. How is CCI diagnosed ? The best way to diagnose CCI is imaging. But a standard, static x-rays or scans won’t show neck instability. CCI diagnosis requires more sophisticated and specialised imaging, such as movement-based x-ray (DMX) and upright dynamic MRI. Tightness or stiffness in neck muscles. Tenderness. Headaches. Shaking or unstable feeling in neck/head. Tightness or stiffness in neck muscles. Tenderness. Headaches. Shaking or unstable feeling in neck/head. Traditional “conservative” treatments for CCI include rest, pain management, upper cervical chiropractic treatment, and bracing with a cervical collar. Although, in most cases these offer little relief. Other experimental treatments for CCI include prolotherapy and stem cell therapy. CCI refers to instability in any part of the craniocervical junction while AAI refers to instability at C1-C2. The only reason to differentiate them is usually that atlantoaxial instability patients can be treated with a less invasive C1-C2 screw fixation while CCI patients may need more extensive surgery.
Can CCI be cured?
While there unfortunately is not a cure for CCI, symptoms can be managed! The crucial first step, however, is getting a diagnosis. Craniocervical instability is best diagnosed with an upright MRI that shows flexion and extension. Craniocervical Instability is a medical condition characterized by injury and instability of the ligaments that hold your head onto the neck. Common symptoms of Cranial Cervical Instability include a painful, heavy head, headache, rapid heart rate, brain fog, neck pain, visual problems, dizziness, and chronic fatigue. Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is characterized by excessive movement at the junction between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) as a result of either a bony or a ligamentous abnormality. Neurologic symptoms can occur when the spinal cord or adjacent nerve roots are involved. If you have a craniocervical junction disorder, you may receive treatment from a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or neurosurgeon. Craniocervical junction disorders may occur later in life. They can result from injuries or certain disorders. Injuries may affect bone, ligaments, or both. They are usually caused by motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, falls, or often diving.