Craniovertebral instability diagnosis

Craniovertebral instability is abnormal movement between the skull and upper neck because of structural issues or damaged ligaments. It can cause nerve compression and pain. People should get checked for this condition if they have ongoing neck pain, headaches, dizziness, balance problems, weakness or numbness in their arms or legs, or trouble swallowing. To diagnose craniovertebral instability, doctors will:Review the patient's medical history to suspect the possible cause of the condition and do a physical exam to look for signs of instability. Understand the overall health, and perform blood tests, including a complete blood count and tests to check kidney and liver function. They'll also test for inflammation. Do a neurological examination to check for muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensation. It helps to find any nerve compression or other issues because of instability between the skull and spine. Perform an MRI scan of the neck to get detailed images of where the skull and neck meet. It can show if there's any structural damage or problems with the ligaments. The whole process usually takes several days and is done on an outpatient basis. As a package price, the cost includes materials, nursing services, medical records, and further recommendations based on the test results.