What is it?

Basilar invagination is a condition in which a vertebra (bone) at the top of the spine moves up and back, toward the base of the skull, causing it to compress the brain stem and spinal cord.

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Signs & symptoms

The type and severity of symptoms are varied and depend on the whether the spinal cord, brain stem, spinal nerves, and blood supply are affected. Most common symptoms are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Numbness

Diagnosis

To diagnos basilar skull invagination your healthcare provider may refer you to further tests, such as:
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance Ionization (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan

Treatment

In some cases when basilar skull invagination doesn't cause symptoms, treatment without surgery may be offer. Physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), or a neck brace could show improvement.
Surgical treatment may include:
- Decompression - relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and brainstem
- Stabilizing the joint

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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