Kimmery's anomaly

Kimmery's anomaly is the presence of an additional semicircle over the arc in the first cervical vertebra. This semicircle can squeeze arteries passing through the spine at this place.

A powerful system of arteries is suitable for the brain, through which nutrients and blood are supplied that ensure its vital functions. The nutrition of the posterior sections is mainly carried out due to the system of arteries that pass into the cavity of the skull through the vertebrae of the cervical region directly. Arteries (left and right) around the cervical vertebra, enter the cavity of the skull. They are connected in the general system of blood supply to the brain.

Kummelly's anomaly can cause compression of the artery of the spine. Typically, compression occurs between the neck muscles and an additional half-ring. Often this is due to excessive tension of the neck muscles, and also at a certain position of the head. As a result of compression, cerebral blood supply is disturbed.

Kimmery's anomaly. Symptoms

This condition is characterized by a number of features. Symptoms of pathology include, first of all, shakiness or dizziness, hissing, ringing, whistling, hum and other noise in two ears (or one). This state is also characterized by darkening in the eyes, "stars" or "flies" in front of the eyes, loss (partial or complete) of consciousness with tension or uncomfortable position of the neck muscles. The intensity of these states can increase with the turn of the head. The anomaly of Kimmery can be manifested both by the sudden weakness of the muscles and by the fall while the consciousness remains.

According to experts, the presence of this disorder can not always provoke the compression of the artery of the spine and, as a consequence, the manifestation of the above described features.

Kimmery's anomaly in cases of more severe can be manifested by a disorder of movement coordination, tremor of legs or hands, involuntary twitching of eyeballs (nystagmus). Pathology can also be accompanied by a deterioration in the sensitivity of any part of the face, several (or one) limbs, this or that side of the trunk. In some cases, conditions can threaten brain stroke.

Often young people of military age are diagnosed with an anomaly of Kimmery. The army at the same time admits to the service in the presence of this pathology, if its presence does not threaten life.

The diagnostics of the state is carried out using several methods. So, in detecting the disease, duplex (Doppler) brain scanning is used, which involves studying the arterial blood circulation in the vessels of the neck and head. The examination is carried out with the help of MRI or CT, as well as digital radiography.

In order for the spinal cord and brain to recover to normal, several activities should be carried out. Normalization of intracranial pressure and circulation is carried out with the help of medications (intravenously, if necessary).

To relieve the condition, it is necessary to remove the excessive tone of the neck muscles. For this purpose, massage, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and other procedures are prescribed. Also, special medical collars-fixators (the collar of Shants, for example) are prescribed.

As practice shows, the above measures are enough to restore the patient's normal condition. Subsequently, individual complexes of measures can be recommended to help prevent deterioration. A periodic preventive effect is prescribed. A regular examination with a neurologist is also recommended. Visit a doctor should be after the diagnostic activities and the results.