What is occipital condyle syndrome?

Occipital condyle syndrome (OCS) is a rare syndrome characterized by severe, unilateral, occipital headache and ipsilateral 12th nerve palsy. Tumors are a common cause of OCS. Inflammatory lesions causing OCS is however rare. We describe a young male with OCS as the only manifestation of cranio-vertebral tuberculosis.

Why does my occipital condyle hurt?

Tumors or chronic inflammatory lesions of the occipital condyle may cause occipital pain associated with an ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve injury (occipital condyle syndrome). We describe a young woman with recurrent otitis media and occipital condyle syndrome associated with a limited form of Wegener’s disease.

How do you get the occipital condyle?

The occipital condyles are two large protuberances on the undersurface of the occipital bone, located besides the front half of the foramen magnum. It forms the connection between the skull and the vertebral coloumn.

Why is occipital condyle important?

The occipital condyles are functionally important because they articulate with the superior articular facets of the atlas (C1). This joint functions as a hinge joint allowing flexion and extension of the head. When one shakes their head “no” the two bones move as one piece.

Where is the occipital condyle located?

The OC, which is an oval-shaped osseous structure located at the base of the occipital bone, articulates the skull in relation to the cervical spine.

Does occipital neuralgia show up on MRI?

Radiographic imaging is of limited utility in the diagnosis of occipital neuralgia but is primarily concerned with excluding structural pathology of the cord, the spine, the occipital nerves or adjacent structures. As such, MRI is best suited to this task 1,4.

What causes occipital neuralgia to flare up?

What causes occipital neuralgia? Occipital neuralgia may occur spontaneously, or as the result of a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example), or because of prior injury or surgery to the scalp or skull. Sometimes “tight” muscles at the back of the head can entrap the nerves.

How many people have occipital condyle?

occipital condyle A single or paired bony knob that protrudes from the occipital bone of the skull and articulates with the first cervical vertebra (the atlas). In humans there is a pair of occipital condyles, one on each side of the foramen magnum.

What does the occipital condyle touch?

On either side of the foramen magnum is an oval-shaped occipital condyle. These condyles form joints with the first cervical vertebra and thus support the skull on top of the vertebral column.

What muscle attaches to occipital condyle?

The most lateral muscle of the occipital bone is the rectus capitis lateralis, serving to flex the head laterally. This muscle receives innervation from the spinal nerves C1 to C2 and receives arterial supply via the deep cervical artery.

What movement occurs at the occipital condyles?

The occipital condyles roll backwards and glide anteriorly on the atlantal facets, closing the space between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas. Approximation of the occipital bone, the atlas and the axis limits the extension range of motion to approximately 10°.

Occipital condyle syndrome Occipital condyle syndrome is a rare, but stereotypic syndrome. Early detection has important therapeutic implications. Evaluation of the craniovertebral junction with special attention to the occipital condyles should be a routine part of all brain and cervical spine radiologic examinations, and th …

Which imaging findings are characteristic of occipital condyle syndrome?

Occipital condyle syndrome can be the first presentation of disseminated malignancy. Initial imaging of the brain and skull base may be normal, and recognition of this syndrome warrants thorough investigation and close follow-up.

What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Some do experience more throbbing, dull pain, while others feel pain and tenderness on the sides of the head or even forehead. Many patients may only feel pain for a few seconds, or a few minutes. Sensitivity, in multiple forms, is another one of the most characteristic occipital neuralgia symptoms.

What is occipital syndrome x00e9?

Le syndrome du condyle de l’occipital se caractérise par une céphalée occipitale unilatérale sévère et une paralysie ipsilatérale du douzième nerf crânien. Ce syndrome est associé à une néoplasie avec métastase à la base du crâne. x00E9; à une néoplasie avec métastase à la base du crâne.