Let's start with RETROFLEXED ONDONTOID; this is where the odontoid bone on the first vertabrea is bent backwards.
Here are pictures I got from http://www.chiarisupport.org/photo/normalvschiari?xg_source=activity
Mostly what I can find is this is related to "instability" and that it "kinks" the brainstem. I would love to see good comments on places to go to learn more about this. I have spent a few days researching off and on and really can't find much out there except blogs with people's situation with this condition. However, I can't really find a good medical site to help give a better reference.
BASILAR INVAGINATION:
Basilar invagination is a craniocervical junction abnormality where the tip of the odontoid process projects above the foramen magnum. It may be congenital or acquired (also termed basilar impression) and is often associated with platybasia. There is stenosis of the foramen magnum and compression of the medulla oblongata resulting in neurological symptoms, obstructive hydrocephalus, syringomyelia or even death.
Ref: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/basilar-invagination
Here is another definition I like:
This is a rare condition. To understand it, it is important to know how the spine works. The spine is made up of 33 bones, or vertebrae. These and the discs between them provide a passage for the spinal cord and nerves. The spinal cord itself connects the nerves of the body to the brain.
Basilar invagination occurs when the top of the second vertebrae moves upward. It can cause the opening in the skull where the spinal cord passes through to the brain (the foramen magnum) to close. It also may press on the lower brainstem. The brainstem is a stalk-like part of the brain that connects the main portion of the brain to the spinal cord.
This is similar to Chiari malformation. That, however, usually is present at birth.
So this is basically saying that here is a condition that is like Chiari only the spinal cord is going up into the brain! Ouch. That has to hurt right?A really good reference was here http://www.northshorelij.com/cushing-neuroscience-institute/for-healthcare-professionals/case-studies-june-2013-AD
Before surgery After Surgery
My son has KFS, and has also been diagnosed with EDS and basilar invagination. His malformed vertebrae are resting against his brain stem. We're told that it's currently stable, and he won't require surgery until he begins showing symptoms. Right now, his main problems stemmingfrom this are headaches and problems sleeping.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 16 diagnosed with EDS, KFS, basilar invagination, HF autism, moderate scoliosis, Visual Snow, dysautonomia, severe anxiety, immune deficiency, etc. The only two neurosurgeons I know that know of this stuff are across the country and not accessible during COVID or with her insurance. Also, they require/need an upright flex/ext cervical MRI and I tried to get out of state because no such machine in state but they did it wrong for cash with no refund and again would need same states NY or MD to do the testing.
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