Description

Craniovertebral Junction (CVJ) Anomaly The craniovertebral junction is the area where the skull base (occiput), atlas (C1), and axis (C2) meet. CVJ anomalies are developmental or acquired abnormalities in this region, which can cause compression of the brainstem, spinal cord, and cranial nerves. 🔹 Common Types of CVJ Anomalies Basilar Invagination – upward displacement of the odontoid into the foramen magnum. Atlantoaxial Dislocation (AAD) – abnormal movement or instability between atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Occipitalization of Atlas – congenital fusion of atlas (C1) with the occiput. Platybasia – flattening of the skull base. Chiari Malformations – herniation of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Klippel-Feil Syndrome – congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae. 🔹 Causes Congenital: developmental defects (neural tube defects, skeletal dysplasia). Acquired: trauma, infections (like tuberculosis), inflammatory diseases (RA), tumors. 🔹 Symptoms Neurological: weakness, numbness, imbalance, difficulty in walking, quadriparesis. Brainstem signs: difficulty swallowing, nasal speech, respiratory issues. Cranial nerve palsies: especially lower cranial nerves. Neck pain & restricted neck movements. In children: developmental delay, torticollis, or short neck.

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