BASILAR IMPRESSIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Basilar impressions, also known as platybasia, refers to an anatomical abnormality characterized by the abnormal flattening or deformity of the base of the skull, particularly the occipital bone and the foramen magnum, which is the large opening through which the spinal cord passes from the brain. This condition causes the skull to fuse in an abnormal position, resulting in an abnormally low position of the skull base within the cranial cavity.
Basilar impressions can be congenital, meaning a person is born with the condition, or acquired later in life due to various factors such as trauma, infection, or inflammation. Some specific conditions that can lead to basilar impressions include osteogenesis imperfecta, Down syndrome, or any condition that causes abnormal bone growth or weakness in the skull.
Symptoms of basilar impressions can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the compression it causes on surrounding structures. Common symptoms may include headaches, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, balance problems, hearing loss, or even neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the arms and legs.
Diagnosis of basilar impressions typically involves imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to evaluate the shape and position of the skull and the foramen magnum.
Treatment options for basilar impressions may include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy to improve neck strength and stability, or in severe cases, surgical interventions to decompress the spinal cord and correct the abnormal skull shape. The exact treatment plan will depend on the individual's specific situation and the severity of their symptoms.
Common Misspellings for BASILAR IMPRESSIONS
- vasilar impressions
- nasilar impressions
- hasilar impressions
- gasilar impressions
- bzsilar impressions
- bssilar impressions
- bwsilar impressions
- bqsilar impressions
- baailar impressions
- bazilar impressions
- baxilar impressions
- badilar impressions
- baeilar impressions
- bawilar impressions
- basular impressions
- basjlar impressions
- basklar impressions
- basolar impressions
- bas9lar impressions
- bas8lar impressions
Etymology of BASILAR IMPRESSIONS
The word "basilar" is derived from the Latin word "basis", meaning "base". It is related to the Greek word "basis", meaning "step" or "base". "Impressions" comes from the Latin word "impressio", which means "imprint" or "impression".
When combined, "basilar impressions" refers to the imprints or indentations found at the base of the skull, specifically in the occipital bone. These imprints are typically caused by the process of cranial settling or conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, where the skull compresses during early childhood, leaving permanent impressions.
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