Can radiation exposure cause Down syndrome?
In approximately 90% of cases, Down Syndrome is due to the nondisjunction of chromosome 21, most often in the oocyte, which may be exposed to ionizing radiation during two separate periods: before the completion of the first meiosis or around the time of ovulation.
What causes atlantoaxial instability in Down syndrome?
Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing compression of the spinal cord called atlantoaxial instability. This problem is caused by a combination of low tone, loose ligaments and bony changes. The spinal cord can be pressed by the bones and cause nerve damage.
How do you know if someone has Down syndrome?
Common physical signs of Down syndrome include1,2:
- Decreased or poor muscle tone.
- Short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck.
- Flattened facial profile and nose.
- Small head, ears, and mouth.
- Upward slanting eyes, often with a skin fold that comes out from the upper eyelid and covers the inner corner of the eye.
What percentage of Down syndrome population has atlantoaxial instability?
Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) affects 10–20% of individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The condition is mostly asymptomatic and diagnosed on radiography by an enlarged anterior atlanto-odontoid distance.
What are the signs of Down syndrome on an ultrasound?
Certain features detected during a second trimester ultrasound exam are potential markers for Down’s syndrome, and they include dilated brain ventricles, absent or small nose bone, increased thickness of the back of the neck, an abnormal artery to the upper extremities, bright spots in the heart, ‘bright’ bowels, mild …
What is Grisel syndrome?
Grisel’s syndrome is a nontraumatic atlantoaxial subluxation which is usually secondary of an infection or an inflammation at the head and neck region. It can be observed after surgery of head and neck region.
How is Grisel syndrome treated?
Treatment. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications and immobilization of the neck in addition to treatment of the offending infectious cause (if any) with appropriate antibiotics. Early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term sequelae. Surgical fusion may be required for residual instability of the joint.
What causes Cervicocranial syndrome?
The Cervicocranial Syndrome is a group of associated symptoms that are collectively caused by an abnormality in the neck that can be congenital or acquired due to an injury. The disorder is sometimes called Craniocervical Junction Syndrome. It is usually caused by a degenerative spine condition such as osteoarthritis.
How common is Grisel syndrome?
Grisel’s syndrome (GS) is defined as a rotatory subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint not associated with trauma or bone lesion. It is a rare condition which can be mostly observed in children, though it was first described in adult patients [1–4].
What is congenital torticollis?
Congenital torticollis means that a baby is born with an odd position of the neck. The odd position is because of a tight, short neck muscle. It affects the right side more often than the left side. It may range from mild to severe. The condition is sometimes called wryneck or twisted neck.
What is atlantoaxial joint?
The atlanto-axial joint is a joint in the upper part of the neck between the first and second cervical vertebrae; the atlas and axis. It is a pivot joint. The atlanto-axial joint is of a complicated nature. It consists of no fewer than four distinct joints.
What is atlantoaxial instability?
Atlanto-axial instability (AAI) is a condition that affects the bones in the upper spine or neck under the base of the skull. The joint between the upper spine and base of the skull is called the atlanto-axial joint. This can result in AAI where the bones are less stable and can damage the spinal cord.
How do you fix atlantoaxial instability?
Surgery is often aimed at fixing the instability by fusing vertebral segments together. Surgery is often aimed at fixing the instability by fusing vertebral segments together. In the case of C1-C2 instability, these two vertebrae are fused posteriorly to limit their amount of movement.
Can C1 be fixed?
Surgical methods used in the C1-C2 vertebral levels include: Fusion of the C1-C2 vertebrae. This surgery is usually performed at the back of the cervical spine. The fractured vertebrae are fixed together with wires, plates, and screws.
Which brace is used in atlantoaxial instability?
Initially, these patients are treated with a halo brace; however, if this treatment is unsuccessful because of a fixed deformity or recurrent deformity, posterior fusion of C1-2 is required. Posterior cervical spinal fusion can successfully treat symptomatic AAI in many cases.
What does cervical instability feel like?
Tightness or stiffness in neck muscles. Tenderness. Headaches. Shaking or unstable feeling in neck/head.
What is the sharp Purser test?
Introduction: The Sharp-Purser Test (SPT) is used to assess for atlantoaxial instability (AI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The test is commonly used by clinicians; however, many experts argue it lacks reliability and validity along with concerns of safety.
What is a halo vest?
A halo-vest is a brace that is used to immobilize and protect the cervical spine and neck after surgery or accident. The halo is a ring that surrounds the head and is attached by pins to the outer portion of the skull; however, some Halos are pinless but are only used in certain situations.
How do you sleep with a halo?
Sleeping in a Halo Nighttime suggestions include sleeping in a reclining chair and lying on the back with a small pillow or foam wedge. Eventually, sleeping on a side or on the stomach may be possible. When getting up, it is important to not sit upright and bend at the waist.
Are Halo braces painful?
Is a Halo Brace Painful? No, the halo brace should not cause pain. Some kids get headaches, especially while eating, but this usually goes away after the child gets used to the brace. If the pain continues or gets worse, the surgeon may adjust the pins to make the child more comfortable.